How to Make Golden Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
There’s nothing quite like crispy, golden chicken tenders to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this simple recipe guarantees crunchy tenders that are juicy on the inside and golden perfection on the outside. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginners to follow! Let’s jump in and learn how to make golden chicken tenders.
Why Homemade Chicken Tenders Are the Best
Store-bought chicken tenders can be convenient, but they’re often loaded with preservatives, aren’t as fresh, and lack that homemade love. When you make them yourself, you control the ingredients, ensuring every bite is tasty and wholesome. Plus, crafting them in your kitchen is a fun way to bond with your family or unwind after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to get started. Most of them are pantry staples you probably already have at home:
- Chicken: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Flour: 1 cup (all-purpose flour is perfect for this).
- Eggs: 2 large eggs.
- Breadcrumbs: 1½ cups (panko breadcrumbs work best for a crispy texture).
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Cooking oil: Enough for shallow frying (vegetable oil or canola oil works well).
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment to make this dish! Gather the following items:
- A knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk or fork
- A large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- Paper towels for draining the chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts with water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier coating.
Next, cut the chicken breasts into strips. If you prefer bite-sized pieces, chop them into chunks for nuggets instead. Try to keep the strips or chunks evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you like. If you want a spicy flavor, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning onto the chicken strips until they’re well-coated. You can let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors, but this step is optional.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls or plates to make a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Add the flour. This helps create a base layer for the coating.
- Bowl 2: Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat them with a fork until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Pour in the breadcrumbs. Want extra flavor? Mix in a bit of dried parsley or parmesan cheese.
Now line these bowls up in order: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take one chicken strip and follow these steps to coat it:
- Dip the chicken into the flour. Lightly coat it all over and shake off excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully soaked.
- Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, making sure every side is covered. Use your fingers to gently pat the breadcrumbs for extra stickiness.
Repeat this process for all of your chicken strips.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a skillet or frying pan so it’s about an inch deep. Heat it over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread or crumb—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Carefully place 3-4 chicken tenders into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them once halfway through cooking.
Once they’re done, transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue cooking the remaining tenders.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade golden chicken tenders are ready to serve! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces—like ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard—and enjoy them while they’re hot. These tenders are perfect with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or simply as a snack.
Tips for Perfect Golden Chicken Tenders
- Crunchy Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You can even double-coat the chicken for thicker crispy layers!
- Even Frying: Keep the oil hot and steady, but not too high. Medium heat is ideal.
- Healthier Alternative: If you want a lighter option, bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, spray them with cooking oil before baking.
Final Thoughts
Making golden chicken tenders at home is easy, fun, and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that beats anything you’d find at a fast-food spot. Try this recipe today, and watch as these crunchy, flavorful tenders become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
