Chicken tenders remind me of my childhood. Imagine a busy Saturday evening at home. The smell of crispy chicken tenders fills the air as my family gathers.
There’s something special about the golden-brown chicken. It’s perfectly breaded and ready for dipping. Whether with sauce or plain, chicken tenders always bring happiness.
Even now, I love making homemade chicken tenders. Every bite is as delightful as it was years ago. In this article, I’ll guide you on making the best chicken tenders. We’ll cover what they are and explore tasty recipes you’ll love.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders are small pieces of meat from under the chicken breast. They come from the pectoralis minor muscle. This makes them very tender. They taste mild and can be cooked many ways, like breading, frying, or baking.
They started in 1974 at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire. They became popular in the 1980s as a better choice than chicken nuggets. In 2023, Manchester was named the “Chicken Tender Capital of the World.”
Big companies like Tyson Foods make chicken tenders. They are easy to find in many fast-food places. Chains like Raising Cane’s and Chick-fil-A offer flavors like Buffalo-style and Honey BBQ. Remember, chicken tenders, fingers, and strips are all similar, but tenders are a specific cut.
The Big Difference: Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast
When we talk about chicken, we often compare chicken breast and chicken tenders. Both are favorites, but they differ in many ways. Chicken breasts are big, boneless, and skinless. They are firm and come in halves from a whole chicken.
Chicken tenders, on the other hand, are small and thin. They are found under the breast and are attached by a tendon. Each chicken has only two tenderloins, making them pricier than breasts.
Chicken breasts are great for grilling and dishes like chicken Parmesan. Chicken tenders are perfect for quick meals and frying. They can be used in some recipes that need fast cooking, like stir-fries or chicken fingers.
It’s interesting to see how cooking methods affect our choice of chicken. Tenders have more fat and sodium than breasts. This makes breasts a leaner option.
Health Benefits of Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders can be very healthy if cooked right. They are full of protein, which is great for muscles. A single serving can give you over 30 grams of protein.
The way you cook chicken tenders matters a lot. Baking or grilling is better than frying. This way, you can cut down on fat. For example, a fast-food serving can have almost 500 calories and over 25 grams of fat. But, making them at home lets you control the healthiness.
Chicken tenders also have vitamins and minerals. They have B vitamins for energy and iron and zinc for the immune system. By choosing skinless chicken and avoiding heavy sauces, you can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
Watch out for sodium in chicken tenders. Many commercial ones have too much. A platter from a popular chain can have way too much sodium. But, making them at home lets you avoid too much sodium and enjoy a healthy meal.
Best Chicken Tenders Recipe
Making the best chicken tenders at home is simple. Just a few ingredients and easy steps are needed. My family loves these crispy homemade tenders. They’re great for any dinner or family meal.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you need for homemade chicken tenders:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk for breading
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make the tastiest chicken tenders:
- Marinate the chicken: Put chicken tenderloins in a bag with buttermilk, salt, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Seal, shake, and chill for 4 hours.
- Prepare the breading: Mix flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a big bowl. Add buttermilk until it’s a bit sticky.
- Bread the chicken: Coat the chicken in the flour mix. Put the breaded tenders on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Crispy Chicken Tenders: How to Achieve Perfection
To get crispy chicken tenders, you need the right casing and cooking methods. I focus on these to make sure my tenders are delicious and crispy. Let’s look at the best ways to make crispy tenders, starting with the casing.
Choosing the Right Casing
The casing is key for crispy chicken tenders. Here are some popular options:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Their larger size makes them extra crunchy.
- Flour Coating: A mix of flour and spices adds flavor and crunch.
- Batter Coating: A wet batter can be unique but might not be as crispy as breaded ones.
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with cornstarch makes for a crispy result.
Cooking Methods for Crispy Texture
There are many ways to cook chicken tenders for a crispy texture. Here are my top choices:
| Cooking Method | Ideal Temperature | Cooking Time | Crispiness Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep-Frying | 365-375°F | 8-10 minutes per side | Very Crispy |
| Oven-Baking | 425°F | 15-20 minutes (flip halfway) | Crispy |
| Air Frying | 400°F | 10-12 minutes (flip halfway) | Very Crispy |
No matter the method, I keep the oil hot for frying. This ensures a crunchy outside and a juicy inside. Whether you fry or bake, both ways are tasty.
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders: A Healthier Option
Oven baked chicken tenders are great for those who want to enjoy a classic dish without feeling guilty. This recipe keeps the flavor and crispiness we love. It uses less oil than frying, but it’s just as tasty.
To begin, I collect the needed ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders, 1 1/3 cups of panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings like garlic powder and paprika. I marinate the chicken, then coat it with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. A light spray of olive oil helps them get crispy. I bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. They must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
Baked chicken tenders are very versatile. You can serve them with sauces like barbecue, ketchup, ranch, or dill. I suggest 2 to 3 tenders per person. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors. For quick nutrition facts, see the table below:
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving (2-3 chicken tenders) |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 240 calories |
| Total Fat | 9.4 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 grams |
| Protein | 21.2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 17 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 584 milligrams |
| Sugar | 1.2 grams |
This recipe is perfect for making a big batch and freezing some for later. These tenders can stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer or 3 days in the fridge. Oven baked chicken tenders are a favorite in my kitchen, letting me enjoy tasty food without worrying about my health.
Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Enjoying without Worry
Making gluten-free chicken tenders at home is easy. Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour. This way, you can enjoy tasty food without gluten worries.
Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free. This ensures your meal is safe.
When cooking chicken tenders without gluten, follow the same steps as regular recipes. Heat the oil to 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for frying. Avocado oil is a good choice because it burns well, but it’s a bit expensive.
For each serving, use 8 to 10 chicken tenders or 3 to 4 chicken breasts cut into strips. You can batter them and keep them in the fridge for up to 8 hours. This makes preparation easy.
The batter mix includes 1/2 cup of cornmeal and 1 cup of cornstarch. Add seasoned salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for flavor. Use 2 to 3 eggs for the egg wash to make the tenders crispy and golden.
Cooking times vary based on the thickness of the tenders. Aim for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baking at 375°F for about 18 minutes is also a good option if you don’t want to fry.
With just about 40 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy gluten-free chicken tenders. They are safe and delicious. This way, everyone can enjoy this classic dish without gluten worries.
Fun Dipping Sauces to Pair with Chicken Tenders
Dipping sauces make chicken tenders special. They turn simple food into a tasty treat. Here are two yummy recipes to try.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
Making honey mustard sauce is easy and fast. It takes just five minutes. Here’s what you need:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Mix these until smooth. You can change the taste to your liking. This sauce is sweet and tangy, great with chicken tenders.
Ranch Sauce Variations
Ranch sauce is a favorite for chicken tenders. Ranch is very flexible. A simple ranch sauce is a good start, and I like trying new ranch flavors.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
Add herbs like parsley and dill. Season with lemon and garlic. This sauce is creamy and goes well with chicken. You can make it your own with different flavors.
Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add Some Heat to Your Meal
If you like a little heat in your food, spicy chicken tenders are great. You can make them as spicy as you want. Just add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or paprika to the marinade.
For more flavor, mix these spices together. It makes the chicken taste amazing.
Make your meal even better with spicy dipping sauces. Try ranch with sriracha or spicy honey mustard. This makes your meal exciting for everyone.
By adding heat to chicken tenders, you make a dish that’s fun to eat. It’s also in line with the trend of spicy foods. Young people love trying new spicy dishes.
