How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a tasty snack or dinner idea that’s easy to make, chicken tenders are a fantastic choice! Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, homemade chicken tenders make an excellent dish for kids and adults alike. Making them at home means you can control the ingredients to ensure they’re fresh and delicious. In this blog, we’ll show you how to create golden, crispy chicken tenders in just a few simple steps.
Why Make Chicken Tenders at Home?
Sure, you can buy frozen chicken tenders or order them from a fast-food restaurant, but making them at home has its perks:
1. Freshness: You know exactly what’s going into them.
2. Healthier: You can bake them instead of deep-frying or customize the coating to use less salt or fat.
3. Fun: Cooking at home can be a fun activity for the whole family.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into thin strips)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds extra flavor)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking oil or spray (for frying or baking)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 inch wide. Chicken tenderloins are already the perfect size, so you can skip this step if you’re using them.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls or plates to set up the breading station:
1. Flour Bowl: Place the flour in the first bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to boost flavor.
2. Egg Bowl: Crack the eggs into the second bowl and whisk them until smooth.
3. Breadcrumb Bowl: In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken tenders their crispy coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat the chicken strips:
1. Dip a strip into the flour, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Transfer the chicken to the beaten egg mixture and coat it evenly.
3. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it completely. Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
You can either fry, bake, or air-fry your chicken tenders. Here’s how to cook them using each method:
Option 1: Frying
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into it—if it sizzles and browns, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the skillet. Don’t overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Option 2: Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the sheet in a single layer. Spray a light coating of oil on top to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Option 3: Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket without overlapping them.
- Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade chicken tenders are ready! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or ketchup. Pair them with fries, a salad, or veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Extra Crunch: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for an extra-crispy texture.
- Spice it Up: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken tenders are easy, affordable, and so much better than store-bought options. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to be delicious.
Now that you know how to make homemade chicken tenders, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Happy eating!
