Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Crispy, Juicy Delight for Your Tastebuds 🍗
If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy chicken tenders, this crack chicken tenders recipe will become your new go-to dish. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Imagine a golden, crispy exterior paired with tender, juicy chicken on the inside – every bite bursts with flavor. Not only are these tenders super easy to make, but they’re also a family favorite, perfect for serving at any gathering or simply for a cozy night in.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, hosting a casual dinner, or preparing a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, these tenders are versatile, delicious, and sure to impress. In this article, I will guide you through every step of the process, provide helpful tips, and give you all the information you need to make the best crack chicken tenders at home.
Wait till you see the secret ingredient for an extra tip to make the recipe perfect! 🤫
Ingredients 🍗
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders (or breast) | 1 lb |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil (for frying) | As needed |
Time and Servings ⏰
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 (4 people)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crack Chicken Tenders 🍽️
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken tenders into a large bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though you can leave it for up to 2 hours for maximum tenderness. This is the secret to juicy chicken tenders that stay moist during frying. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken while also adding a subtle tangy flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Then, in another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. The breadcrumbs add a wonderful crunch, while the Parmesan provides a savory, cheesy flavor that will make these tenders even more delicious.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Start by removing the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently into the chicken to ensure a good, even coating. The double-layer coating ensures an extra-crispy texture that you won’t want to miss.
4. Fry the Tenders
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the pan. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary to allow the tenders to fry properly. Fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Drain and Serve
Once your chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes. These crack chicken tenders are perfect for dipping in ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Recipe Notes 📌
- Don’t skip the storage trick — it’s at the end of the post!
- You can easily swap chicken tenders with chicken breasts. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips for an easy conversion.
- Double-coat the tenders for extra crunch! After the initial coating of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, dip them again into the egg mixture and breadcrumbs for an even crispier finish.
- If you’re not in the mood for frying, you can also bake these tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Be sure to flip halfway through for even crispiness.
Serving Suggestions 🥗
These crack chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides and dips:
- A crisp salad: Serve the tenders with a fresh green salad and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter meal. 🥗
- Soup: Pair them with a comforting bowl of tomato soup for the perfect cozy combo. 🍲
- Dips: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. 🍯
- Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A side of crispy fries adds even more deliciousness to this meal. 🍟
Storage and Reheating 🔄
- Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the tenders in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet with a bit of oil for that extra crispy texture. 🔥
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, make sure there’s enough space around each chicken tender. Overcrowding the pan leads to soggy, unevenly cooked tenders.
- Skipping the Marinating Step: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It’s key to making the chicken tenders juicy and tender.
- Overcooking: Chicken tenders cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Overcooked chicken tends to be dry.
- Not Pressing the Breadcrumbs: After coating the tenders in breadcrumbs, press gently to ensure they stick. This helps the tenders achieve that irresistible crunchy texture.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) 🥗
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect 🍽️
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try sprinkling a little cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mixture for some heat. A few dashes of hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade can also spice things up!
FAQs 🤔
Q1: Can I bake crack chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the tenders on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Q2: How do I make the tenders spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade to give them an extra zing.
Q3: What is the secret ingredient for the best crack chicken tenders?
The Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture is the secret that adds a rich, savory flavor and makes the tenders extra crispy.
Q4: Can I freeze crack chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the tenders before frying. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to cook them.
Q5: How can I make these tenders healthier?
For a lighter version, try baking the tenders instead of frying them. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra fiber.
Final Thoughts 💭
These crack chicken tenders are everything you want in a crispy, juicy chicken strip. With the simple step-by-step guide provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s chicken tenders. Whether you serve them with fries, a side salad, or your favorite dipping sauce, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite. The best part? You can make them from the comfort of your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Enjoy!
