Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for homemade chicken tenders!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dip it back into the buttermilk, then coat with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Frying Method:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Baking Method (optional):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with oil.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet and spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders! They’re perfect for a quick meal or a fun snack!
