Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetable oil for frying Gather these ingredients for crispy homemade chicken tenders. You start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips. Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. The flour and panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy outer layer. Next, the seasoning components give the chicken flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth. Cayenne pepper gives a kick, but you can adjust its amount. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. Finally, you need vegetable oil for frying. It helps achieve that golden brown color. This full recipe gives you a delicious meal that is easy to make. To start, you need to marinate the chicken strips. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Then, place them in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk and mix well. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for juicy, flavorful tenders. Next, prepare your breading stations. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with the seasonings. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until it’s well combined. Now, set up your panko breadcrumb station. Pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs into another bowl. This will give your chicken tenders that delightful crunch. It’s time to cook! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You'll want it hot but not smoking. To test the oil, drop in a breadcrumb. If it sizzles, you're ready to go. Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk. Let the excess liquid drip off. First, dredge each strip in the seasoned flour. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip each strip in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. When flipping, use tongs to handle the strips carefully. Once they are cooked, remove the tenders from the skillet. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the extra oil. This step helps keep them crispy. Enjoy your crispy homemade chicken tenders! For the full recipe, check the previous section. To get that perfect crunch, marinating time matters. I suggest at least 30 minutes in buttermilk. This time helps tenderize the meat and adds great flavor. The best frying temperature is key too. Heat the oil to medium-high heat, around 350°F. If it's too cool, the chicken will soak up oil. Too hot, and it will burn before cooking through. For dipping sauces, I love honey mustard and ranch. They add a nice kick to the crispy chicken. You can also try barbecue sauce for a smoky taste. Pair your chicken tenders with fries for a classic combo. A fresh salad works well too, adding a nice crunch and balance. If you want a healthier option, baking chicken tenders is easy. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. An air fryer is another great choice. It cooks the chicken evenly and gives a nice crisp without too much oil. Just set it to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. You get great flavor with less fat. {{image_2}} To make spicy chicken tenders, you can change the seasoning. Add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce. You can also mix in chili powder or crushed red pepper. These changes bring a bold taste. You’ll feel the heat with every bite. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. This way, you can enjoy a kick without it being too much for you. For a gluten-free version, swap out the flour and breadcrumbs. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead. For the breadcrumbs, try gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes. These swaps still give a nice crunch. The flavor remains rich and satisfying. Your gluten-free friends will love this option. It's a great way to share tasty chicken tenders with everyone. You can add different seasonings or herbs for unique flavors. Try mixing in Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or fresh parsley. These additions brighten up the dish. You could also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Experiment with what you like best. Customizing your chicken tenders makes them even more fun to eat. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your chicken tenders, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for ten minutes. Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about ten minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy. An air fryer works well too; set it to 350°F (175°C) for five to seven minutes. For freezing, separate your chicken tenders into uncooked and cooked. For uncooked tenders, freeze them on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. For cooked tenders, allow them to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer. I recommend marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken soak up the buttermilk. It makes the meat tender and adds flavor. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours is even better. Just keep the chicken in the fridge while it soaks. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture. They are larger and coarser than regular breadcrumbs. This means they fry up crunchier. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your tenders may not be as crispy. Many sauces pair perfectly with chicken tenders. Here are some popular options: - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - Barbecue sauce - Buffalo sauce - Ketchup You can try different sauces to find your favorite. Each one adds a unique flavor to the tenders. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making crispy homemade chicken tenders. This article covered how to make delicious chicken tenders from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and handy tips for crispy results. We also explored variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Remember, properly marinating and frying makes a big difference. Keep these tips in mind for tasty meals that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to experiment with flavors!$

Discover the secret to making crispy homemade chicken tenders that are juicy and flavorful! This easy recipe features simple ingredients like buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices for the perfect crunch. Follow the step-by-step instructions for a delicious dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a large bowl, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor them.

In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each strip in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle.

Fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully.

Once cooked, remove the tenders and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch, and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. Enjoy!