Are you craving a delicious, easy, and healthy meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! These spicy chicken tenders are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Forget takeout – this homemade recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers a restaurant-quality taste that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. This ensures even cooking and a perfect bite-sized tender. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavorful coating!
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the egg-coated chicken into the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for a deliciously crispy exterior.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer – it should register at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy! These spicy chicken tenders are fantastic on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Spicy Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken instead of crispy tenders. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. For extra heat, add more!
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Serve with dipping sauces: These tenders pair well with various dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy mayo.
Variations:
- Add some herbs: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use different bread crumbs: Experiment with panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy texture or seasoned bread crumbs for added flavor.
- Bake instead of fry: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of 3 chicken tenders and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade spicy chicken tenders! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a healthier alternative to fast food. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed this simple, yet flavorful recipe. We'd love to hear from you!