How to Make Delicious Chicken Tenders

Keyword: Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders have become a popular choice for many households looking for an easy and healthy meal option. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or planning a quick weeknight dinner, chicken tenders are versatile and can be prepared in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

This recipe will guide you through making homemade chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You’ll need basic ingredients available at most grocery stores: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, panko bread crumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and your favorite dipping sauce for serving.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized chicken breast halves (cut into 1-inch strips)
• Panko breadcrumbs (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• Milk (1/2 cup)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. This ensures that they cook evenly and have a uniform texture.

2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Set aside this mixture for dipping the chicken strips before coating them in breadcrumbs.

3. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning will enhance the flavor of your chicken tenders as they bake or fry.

4. Coat each piece of chicken by first dipping it into the egg-milk mixture, then pressing both sides onto the breadcrumbs. Make sure that all parts are well coated; this step is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.

5. For baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the coated chicken strips on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through—check by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a tender; it should register at least 165°F (74°C).

6. Alternatively, for frying: Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully lower the coated chicken strips into the hot oil and fry until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides—this process typically takes about 3-4 minutes per batch depending on how many pieces you're cooking at once.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your homemade chicken tenders come out perfect every time, follow these tips:

• Ensure that the breadcrumbs are panko type—they provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. However, if you can’t find them, all-purpose flour works well too.
• Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly with milk and season with salt and pepper before dipping; this creates an extra-flavorful coating.
• For baking: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking. This also makes cleanup easier later on!
• If using frying, use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature—it should hover around 350°F (176°C), ensuring even cooking without burning the exterior.
• Allow some time between batches if you’re frying multiple pieces of chicken. Warming up the pan between each batch helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures throughout your meal preparation.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe serves four people, providing approximately 350 calories per serving. The nutritional content will vary based on individual ingredient choices but generally includes protein from the chicken breast along with a small amount of healthy fats provided by the coating.

Chicken tenders can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal alongside vegetables like broccoli florets or sweet potato fries, accompanied by a simple salad for extra freshness. They’re also fantastic served with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even just plain ketchup for those who prefer minimal accompaniments.

Cooking time depends on your preferred method—about 20 minutes if baking and around 3-4 minutes per batch when frying. This versatile recipe allows you to customize the flavor profile according to personal preferences, making it suitable for various dietary requirements such as low-carb diets or those seeking gluten-free options.

Enjoy these delicious homemade chicken tenders! Whether enjoyed by kids or adults alike, they’re sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Happy cooking!