Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a quick, easy and delicious meal, look no further! In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to cook breaded chicken tenders in a skillet.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken tenders
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Oil for frying
Before you begin, make sure to wash your hands and sanitize your cooking area. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings into separate bowls. Beat the eggs in another bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Bread the chicken tenders
Take a chicken tender and dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken tenders.
Step 3: Cook the breaded chicken tenders
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
Once cooked to perfection, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce, salad, or side dish. Enjoy your delicious homemade breaded chicken tenders!
There you have it – a simple and tasty meal that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Now go ahead and give it a try!
How to Make Crispy Breaded Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea, breaded chicken tenders are the perfect choice. With a crispy and flavorful coating, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re quick to make, making them a great option for busy weeknights. Here’s how you can make crispy breaded chicken tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten.
Step 2: In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Place the flour in another shallow bowl.
Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken tender with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Step 5: In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve the crispy breaded chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or honey mustard.
These crispy breaded chicken tenders are best served fresh and hot. They make a great main course for dinner or a tasty appetizer for parties. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to making breaded chicken tenders in a skillet, choosing the right chicken is essential for a delicious and tender result. You want to select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders for this recipe.
Chicken tenders are the thin strips of muscle found on the underside of chicken breasts. They are already tender and do not require any further pounding or flattening. However, if you only have chicken breasts on hand, you can easily cut them into thin strips to use as chicken tenders.
It is important to ensure that the chicken you choose is fresh and of high quality. Look for chicken that is pink, firm, and has a pleasant smell. Avoid chicken that has a slimy texture or a strong, off-putting odor. If you are unsure about the freshness of the chicken, it is best to choose another option.
For this recipe, it is recommended to use organic or free-range chicken if possible. These types of chicken tend to have a better flavor and texture compared to conventional chicken.
Buying Frozen Chicken
If you are using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing the chicken in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method. Allow the chicken to sit in its packaging in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
Never thaw chicken at room temperature or with warm water, as this can promote the growth of bacteria. Thawing chicken in the microwave is also not recommended as it can lead to uneven thawing and potentially cook some parts of the chicken.
Trimming the Chicken
Before you start cooking, take the time to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming greasy when cooked and promote even browning of the breading.
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | Chicken Tenders | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Firm, substantial, and meaty | Tender and already trimmed |
| Preparation | Requires cutting into thin strips | Ready to use |
| Flavor | Varies depending on quality; generally mild | Similar to chicken breasts; mild and versatile |
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking breaded chicken tenders in a skillet, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready at hand will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken tenders | 1 pound |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
Make sure to check your pantry or go grocery shopping to ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. It’s always a good idea to double-check the recipe to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Mixing the Breading Mixture
Creating the perfect breading mixture is essential for achieving crispy and flavorful chicken tenders. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a separate dish, beat 2 eggs until well mixed.
- In a third dish, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
To ensure that the breading adheres well to the chicken tenders, it is important to season each component. The flour mixture provides a base for the breading, while the eggs act as a binder, helping the breading adhere to the chicken. The combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese adds texture and flavor to the final result.
Before coating the chicken tenders in the breading mixture, it is recommended to pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the breading to stick better and ensuring a crispier end result.
To coat the chicken tenders, start by dipping them into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the coated tenders into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, place the chicken tenders into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
Once the chicken tenders are well coated, they are ready to be cooked in a skillet. This breading mixture creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
Breading and Cooking the Chicken Tenders
To begin cooking the breaded chicken tenders, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet and allow it to heat up.
Gently coat the chicken tenders
Take each chicken tender and dip it into the beaten egg mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off.
Next, place the coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken, making sure it is fully coated. Repeat this process with each chicken tender until they are all coated in breadcrumbs.
Cook the chicken tenders
Once the oil in the skillet is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Use a spatula to carefully flip the chicken tenders over and cook them on the other side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: If you have a large batch of chicken tenders to cook, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure even cooking.
Serving and Enjoying Your Chicken Tenders
Once your breaded chicken tenders are crispy and cooked through, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tenders:
1. Plating
To plate your chicken tenders, you can use a serving platter or individual plates. Lay the chicken tenders neatly on the plate, leaving a little space between each piece to preserve their crispiness. If you’re serving them as an appetizer or finger food, you can also serve them in a basket lined with parchment paper.
2. Dipping Sauces
Chicken tenders are usually served with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor. Some popular options include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce. You can place small bowls or ramekins of your chosen sauces alongside your chicken tenders for easy dipping.
You can also experiment with making your own homemade sauces to elevate the taste of your chicken tenders. For example, try mixing mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper to create a tangy aioli dipping sauce.
Tip: Consider serving a few different dipping sauce options to cater to different tastes and preferences.
3. Sides and Accompaniments
Chicken tenders make a versatile main dish and can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or a side salad
- Corn on the cob or roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese
These sides add texture and flavor to your meal and complement the crispy and tender chicken tenders perfectly.
Remember to garnish your plate with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and additional freshness.
Now that you have all the tips and ideas for serving and enjoying your chicken tenders, it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade creation!
FAQ
What ingredients are needed to cook breaded chicken tenders?
To cook breaded chicken tenders in a skillet, you will need chicken tenders, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders. Just slice the chicken breasts into thin strips to resemble chicken tenders.
What type of oil should I use for frying the breaded chicken tenders?
You can use any type of oil with a high smoke point for frying the breaded chicken tenders. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
How long should I cook the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet?
Cook the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
