Craving those crispy, juicy chicken tenders you love from Cracker Barrel? Forget the drive and the wait! This recipe brings that same delicious taste right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make these homemade chicken tenders, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, and these healthy meals are surprisingly simple to make.
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 1/2 cups crushed saltine crackers (about 10 crackers)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your dry dredging station.
The Buttermilk Soak:
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Add the chicken strips and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for extra juicy and tender chicken.
The Crispy Coating:
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In a third shallow dish, place the crushed saltine crackers.
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Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Then, press the floured chicken into the crushed crackers, making sure each piece is completely covered and the crackers adhere well.
Cooking the Tenders:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
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Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
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Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious homemade chicken tenders immediately. They are perfect with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce. A side of crispy fries or coleslaw complements the meal perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy tenders: Double dredge the chicken – coat in flour, then buttermilk, then flour again, before finally coating with the crushed crackers.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture for a flavorful twist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Substitute panko breadcrumbs for the saltine crackers for a lighter, crispier coating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This recipe is a testament to delicious, homemade cooking. These quick dinner ideas are perfect for busy schedules, and the results are well worth the minimal effort. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-inspired chicken tenders!