Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Dinner Delight 🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious, crispy chicken tenders recipe that is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These crack chicken tenders are perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or a family gathering. This easy chicken tenders recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a crispy coating, all made effortlessly in your oven or air fryer. Let’s dive into how you can create this flavorful meal that everyone will love!
2. Ingredients Needed for Delicious Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (if using air fryer)
For a twist, try adding a little grated Parmesan cheese or your favorite herbs to the breadcrumb mixture!
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Tenders
If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with olive oil spray for that crunchy finish and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
For air frying, preheat your Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, lightly spray with olive oil, and cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Tenders
Leftover crack chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy or reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Chicken Tenders
Serve these easy chicken tenders with a side of crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber strawberry salad. Pair them with your favorite dips like honey mustard, ranch, or buffalo sauce for an irresistible meal.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, cut chicken breasts into strips to mimic tenders. Adjust cooking time accordingly, typically 15-20 minutes in the oven or 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.
Are these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Not unless you use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. You can swap the traditional ingredients with gluten-free options for a celiac-friendly version.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, including prepping, coating, and cooking. It’s an ideal easy chicken tenders recipe for busy weeknights!
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: This versatile appliance helps you make crispy chicken tenders with less oil, ensuring a healthier and quicker cooking process.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: A reliable set perfect for baking or frying your chicken tenders evenly and without sticking.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer: For those who want an all-in-one solution to make crispy tenders and more delicious recipes at home.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can greatly enhance your cooking experience and ensure perfect results every time.
8. Conclusion
Once you try this easy crack chicken tenders recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its crispy exterior, tender inside, and straightforward steps, making crispy chicken tenders at home has never been easier. Whether in the oven or air fryer, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
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Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Dinner Delight
Tender and crispy chicken tenders coated with a flavorful seasoning, baked to perfection and served with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in a shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dip chicken tenders into flour, then eggs, then coat with panko mixture.
- Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Easy, Kid-friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg