Craving those crispy, flavorful garlic parmesan chicken tenders from Wingstop but don't want to leave the house? This recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness in your own kitchen! It's easier than you think, and the result is a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your chicken tenders by cutting them into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving extra crispy results.
Breading the Tenders:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your dry breading mixture.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and beaten eggs.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Next, coat each tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading. You might need to repeat this step for extra crispy results.
Frying to Perfection:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to getting perfectly golden-brown and crispy tenders.
- Carefully place the breaded tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
Finishing Touch:
- Remove the cooked tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese while the tenders are still hot. The cheese will melt slightly, adding another layer of flavor.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tenders. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.
- Let the chicken rest: Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes after frying. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Add the zest of one lemon to the flour mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Ranch Parmesan: Serve with your favorite ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per tender, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the tender and the amount of oil absorbed. However, a reasonable estimate would be around 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities.
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your home, perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. Enjoy!