Craving a delicious, crispy, and spicy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This spicy fried chicken tenders recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies those intense cravings for flavorful, homemade cooking. Forget takeout – this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated with a delightful kick of spice!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure extra crispy results.
Step 2: Create the Spice Blend
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the beaten egg in a separate shallow dish. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish. Dip each chicken tender in the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Repeat this process for extra crispy results!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 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 place the chicken tenders in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 5: Drain and Serve
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 with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For milder tenders, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the frying stage ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator and fry when ready to serve.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Glazed: Toss the cooked chicken tenders in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a sweet and savory twist.
- Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked chicken tenders in your favorite buffalo wing sauce for a spicy and tangy delight.
- Lemon Herb: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the flour mixture for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
Nutritional Information (per tender, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
This spicy fried chicken tenders recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It’s a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both easy and incredibly rewarding. This recipe showcases how easy it is to create best recipes that are delicious and satisfying. It's a great option for those looking for simple yet flavorful food recipes.