Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This spicy chicken tenders recipe is your answer. These crispy, flavorful tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun game-day snack. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into even strips. This ensures they cook evenly and gives you perfectly sized tenders.
Step 2: Create the Spicy Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level – feel free to add more for an extra kick!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Add the chicken strips and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even longer in the refrigerator. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
One by one, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, gently press the excess flour off before setting it aside.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of chicken should sizzle immediately when added), carefully add the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures evenly cooked chicken.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove the 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!
Cooking Tips for Delicious Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for optimal results.
- Use a thermometer: A meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Adjust the spice: Customize the spice level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce all pair wonderfully with these spicy chicken tenders.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Glaze: After frying, toss the chicken in a honey garlic glaze for a sweet and savory twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture or toss the cooked chicken in buffalo wing sauce.
- Crispy Baked Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This spicy chicken tenders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a quick and easy dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's also versatile enough to be customized to your liking. Enjoy!