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To make the best homemade chicken tenders, you need a few key items. These ingredients work together to create a tasty meal. - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust based on preferred spice level) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Vegetable oil (for frying) These ingredients give the chicken its flavor and crunch. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy. You can add more flavors to your chicken tenders. Here are some optional ingredients you might like: - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma - Lemon zest for a zesty kick - Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy twist Feel free to get creative! These options can enhance the taste of your tenders. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need for this recipe: - Large mixing bowl for marinating - Three separate bowls for coating the chicken - Whisk to mix dry ingredients - Large skillet for frying - Paper towels for draining excess oil Using these tools helps keep things organized. You’ll have a smooth cooking experience with everything in place. For the full recipe, check the section above! Start by mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. This mixture adds flavor and helps the chicken stay moist. Cut your chicken breasts into uniform strips. Make sure they are all about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Place the chicken strips in the buttermilk mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. Prepare three bowls for the coating. In the first bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk it until it is blended well. In the second bowl, keep the panko breadcrumbs. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. First, coat each strip in the flour mix. Shake off the extra flour. Next, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help it stick. You can cook your chicken tenders in three ways. Frying is the most common. Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread. It should sizzle. Cook the chicken tenders in batches. Fry each side for about 3 to 5 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Each method yields crispy, tasty chicken tenders. Enjoy them with the honey glaze from the full recipe for a sweet touch! To get that perfect crunch, start by marinating your chicken. Soak it in buttermilk and hot sauce. This step keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. After marinating, coat the chicken well. Use seasoned flour first, then dip it back in buttermilk, and finally cover with panko breadcrumbs. The panko gives a light and airy crunch that is hard to beat. Fry them in hot oil, but do not crowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and crispiness all around. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can last for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, place the tenders in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you microwave them, you may lose that crunch. You can also freeze the cooked tenders. Just wrap them tightly and they will stay good for up to three months. These chicken tenders shine when served with dipping sauces. I recommend honey glaze for a sweet touch. You can also serve them with ranch, barbecue sauce, or even spicy mustard. For a fun twist, pair them with fresh veggie sticks like carrots or celery. Arrange the tenders on a wooden board for a rustic look. This makes your meal not just tasty, but also beautiful to serve. For a full recipe, check out the crispy honey-glazed chicken tenders above. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your chicken tenders with different seasonings. Try adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh taste. Use cumin and chili powder for a smoky, southwestern twist. You can even mix in some lemon zest for brightness. Experimenting with spices keeps things fun and tasty. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or chickpea flour. These flours provide a crunchy texture, just like regular flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko to maintain that crispy bite. Always check labels to ensure you’re using certified gluten-free products. Serving your chicken tenders with dips makes them even better. Classic options include honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. For a twist, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a zesty avocado dip. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery add crunch and color to your plate. These dips and sides will elevate your meal and impress your guests. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. After enjoying your chicken tenders, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. To freeze your chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until they are firm. After that, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. To keep chicken tenders fresh, avoid stacking them too tightly. Use parchment paper between layers if needed. Always store them in a cool, dark place. When reheating, use an oven for the best texture. This method helps restore their crispiness. For best results, reheat at 375°F until warm. For the full recipe, check out the crispy honey-glazed chicken tenders. To make chicken tenders gluten-free, you can swap out the all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead. For the breadcrumbs, choose gluten-free panko or crush gluten-free crackers. Follow the same steps as in the Full Recipe, and you'll have delicious, crispy chicken tenders that everyone can enjoy! Yes, you can bake homemade chicken tenders! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and fully cooked. This method is healthier and still tasty! The best way to reheat leftover chicken tenders is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from getting soggy. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! You can make tasty homemade chicken tenders by combining key ingredients, cooking methods, and storage tips. Start with the right chicken and seasonings, and choose your cooking method. Don’t forget the tips for achieving a crispy texture and the many ways to serve and dip. Experiment with seasonings and coatings to suit your taste. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. Now, go ahead and try these steps to impress your family and friends!

Homemade Chicken Tenders

Get ready to make the best crispy honey-glazed chicken tenders that will wow your family and friends! This easy recipe features juicy chicken strips marinated in buttermilk, perfectly seasoned, and coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. With a delightful honey glaze, these tenders are perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and presentation tips for a stunning dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust based on preferred spice level)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you're using it). Add the chicken strips, making sure they are fully submerged in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.

    In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until all the dry ingredients are evenly blended.

      Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl and set it aside.

        Once the marination is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Begin by dredging each strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, before coating it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

          In a large skillet, heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.

            Carefully add the chicken tenders to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

              In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Warm the mixture, stirring continuously until everything is well incorporated and the glaze is smooth.

                Drizzle the honey glaze over the crispy chicken tenders right before serving, or present it in small dipping bowls on the side.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Include small bowls of the honey glaze for dipping and a platter of vibrant vegetable sticks to create an appealing and appetizing display.