Are you craving those crispy, juicy chicken tenders you love from Publix, but without the trip to the store? This recipe delivers that same delicious taste right in your own kitchen! It’s easier than you think to make restaurant-quality chicken tenders at home, and this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy, healthy, and undeniably delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Cut your chicken breasts into strips of roughly equal size. This ensures even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch thick pieces.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Breading the Chicken:
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on a plate or baking sheet.
Frying (or Baking) the Chicken:
- For Frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately), carefully place the chicken strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to gently turn the chicken.
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet or oven and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil (if frying).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture.
- Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on frying method):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This homemade Publix-inspired chicken tender recipe is a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and a delicious dish the whole family will enjoy. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!