Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! These panko chicken tenders are the perfect solution – a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate in crispy chicken perfection, all from the comfort of your own home! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious alternative to takeout, while still allowing you the satisfaction of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your chicken by cutting the breasts into strips. This helps ensure even cooking and faster preparation.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Breading the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat each chicken strip generously with panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of panko sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches is recommended for even browning and crisping.
- Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Serving:
- Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These panko chicken tenders are delicious on their own, with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Perfect Panko Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches for best results.
- Let the chicken rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor profile. Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even a little onion powder would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Mix grated parmesan cheese into the panko bread crumbs for extra flavor and a cheesy crunch.
- Baked Chicken Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the chicken tenders and the amount of oil used. However, a general estimate per serving is around 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of protein and fat.
This easy recipe for panko chicken tenders is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, offering a delicious and healthy meal option for the whole family. Enjoy your crispy, juicy, homemade chicken tenders!