These Crack Chicken Tenders are coated with a crispy, flavorful crust and baked or fried to perfection. The combination of seasonings, crispy coating, and juicy chicken make this a must-try recipe. Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauce and some crispy fries for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk (for marinating, optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
For Garnish:
Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Dipping Sauce Options:
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
Spicy mayo
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
In a large bowl, add the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is optional but helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash
In another bowl, beat the eggs. This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
4. Bread the Chicken
Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
Dip the chicken strip into the flour and breadcrumb mixture, coating it well.
Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs, then back into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure a thick, even coating.
5. Cook the Chicken Tenders
For Frying:
In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in batches and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place the cooked tenders on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
For Baking:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
6. Serve and Garnish
Garnish the chicken tenders with freshly chopped chives, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Double Coating: For even crispier tenders, dip the chicken back into the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture for a double coating.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, cook the tenders in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which helps maintain crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: This is an approximate calculation for one serving (based on frying).
Calories: ~250
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional for extra flavor)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (with marinating)