This crispy chicken tenders recipe is so easy to cook and all you need to do is to slice the chicken fillet into strips then coat it with egg whites and breading then deep fry. You can make it a little zesty by coating it with barbecue sauce or salted egg yolks or any sauce you can think of. But using ordinary ketchup or sweet chili sauce as a dipping sauce is enough if you want it simple. Anyway the recipe should use chicken tenders because that is what the name if the recipe is. But you need a lot of chicken breast just to get the few strips of chicken tenders. So in order to economize, just simply use the chicken breast.
A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Crispy chicken tenders are a beloved dish that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to turn ordinary chicken breast into crispy, flavorful tenders that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
A Brief History of Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, have been a popular dish in the United States since the 1970s. They are believed to have originated in the southern region of the country, where fried chicken is a staple food.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken fillet into strips that are about 3/4 inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
Marinating the Chicken
In a bowl, squeeze some lemon juice or calamansi juice over the chicken strips. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken stand for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Breading
In an empty deep plate, combine flour, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bread crumbs, and fine salt. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Coating the Chicken
Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Beat the egg whites until they are foamy or frothy. Dip each chicken fillet into the egg whites, then dredge them in the breading mix, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Frying the Chicken
Heat cooking oil in a deep pot. Fry the chicken fillets in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and place them in a colander to drain any excess oil.
Serving the Chicken Tenders
Once all the chicken fillets are cooked, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or sweet chili sauce. These chicken tenders are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer.
Variations of Chicken Tenders
While the classic fried chicken tenders are delicious on their own, you can also get creative with the flavors. Try coating them with barbecue sauce or salted egg yolks for a zesty twist. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Crispy chicken tenders are a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these chicken tenders are sure to please. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of homemade chicken tenders?
How to Cook Crispy Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 6 pcs chicken breast fillet
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 lemon or 3 pcs kalamansi extract the juice
- cooking oil for frying
For the breading:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder or cayenne powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. fine salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper powder
Instructions
How to Cook Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Slice the chicken fillet into strips about 3/4 inch thick.
- Put chicken in a bowl and squeeze some lemon juice or calamansi juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well coated. Let it stand for a few minutes.
- In an empty deep plate, combine flour, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bread crumbs and fine salt. Mix until well incorporated.
- Separate egg whites from egg yolk. Put egg whites in a shallow bowl. Set aside the egg yolk for other dishes. Beat the egg whites until foamy or frothy.
- Dip each chicken fillet in egg whites then dredge in breading mix.
- Heat cooking oil in a deep pot and fry the chicken fillet in batches until golden brown. Once cooked, remove from pan and put in a colander to drain excess oil.
- Do the same procedure on the rest of chicken fillet. Serve with dipping sauce such as catsup or sweet chili sauce.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
1: Perfectly Seasoned Chicken To ensure your chicken tenders are full of flavor, season them generously with salt and pepper before coating them in the breading. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after seasoning allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more delicious end product. 2: Crispy Breading Technique For an extra crispy coating, double-dip your chicken tenders in the egg whites and breading mix. This double coating creates a thicker crust that crisps up beautifully when fried. Make sure to press the breading firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. 3: Proper Frying Technique To achieve perfectly cooked and crispy tenders, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading into it – if it sizzles and floats to the top, it's ready. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust.
