Getting the perfect chicken tender can be a challenging endeavor. With so many options and preparations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, with the right strategies and techniques, crispy and juicy chicken tenders are within reach of even the most novice home cooks.
What is a Chicken Tender?
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are strips of chicken breast meat that have been battered or breaded and then fried or baked. They are commonly served as an appetizer or side dish, often with dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.
Chicken tenders are an ideal choice for picky eaters and kids because they are mild in flavor. The tenderloin is the breast muscle of the chicken that lies underneath the breast. It is especially tender because the muscles in this area don’t get much exercise.
Buying Raw Chicken Tenders
When buying raw chicken tenders, you have a few options:
- Pre-cut chicken tenders – These are strips of chicken breast that have already been portioned into tender sizes. They are convenient but tend to be more expensive per pound.
- Whole chicken breasts – Buy a family pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them widthwise into tenders yourself. This is the most affordable option.
- Tenderloin fillets – Found near other packaged chicken, these are strips made only from the tenderloin part of the breast. They will be the most tender but also the priciest.
No matter which you choose, look for chicken pieces that are uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Avoid any with tears, bruises, or discoloration. Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Preparing Raw Chicken Tenders
Preparing the raw chicken is an important first step for getting the best results:
- Trim any visible fat – This will help the tenders get extra crispy.
- Cut into even strips – Uniform pieces will cook evenly. Aim for roughly 1 inch wide by 3-4 inches long.
- Pound them thin – Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the meat to 1⁄2 inch thickness. This helps them cook fast.
- Season the tenders – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne are all tasty options.
- Let marinate – For extra flavor, cover seasoned tenders and let marinate 15-30 minutes.
Breading and Battering Methods
Now it’s time for the fun part – choosing a coating! Here are some classic options:
Breaded
- Flour – Lightly coat tenders in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Breadcrumbs – For crunch, coat in breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers.
- Double-dipped – For extra crunch, dip in flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
Battered
- Beer batter – Light, crispy, and delicious! Use an ice-cold pale ale or lager.
- Buttermilk – Soak in buttermilk before dredging in seasoned flour.
- Cornflake crust – For ultimate crunch, roll in crushed cornflakes.
Get creative and combine different coats too. Cajun seasoning and parmesan make tasty additions!
Frying Chicken Tenders
Frying is the most common and beloved cooking method for chicken tenders. Follow these tips for safety and the ideal texture:
- Use a thermometer – Heat oil to 350-375°F before frying. This prevents burning.
- Fry in batches – Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Turn once – Let fry 3-5 minutes then carefully flip and fry other side.
- Check internal temp – Cook until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
- Drain on paper towels – Let excess oil drip off before serving.
Peanut, vegetable, canola, and rice bran oil are all good choices for frying. Use a heavy Dutch oven or deep fryer and keep hot oil away from children!
Baked Chicken Tenders
For a lighter option, baked chicken tenders are also delicious! Simply prepare them as desired and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
Baking uses less oil and allows you to easily add extra flavors. Try topping with barbecue sauce and cheese the last 5 minutes for yummy homemade chicken nuggets kids will love.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
An air fryer is the ultimate kitchen gadget for making quick and easy chicken tenders with a fraction of the oil. Here’s how:
- Toss prepared tenders in 1 Tbsp oil.
- Air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes.
- Flip and air fry 5 more minutes.
- Check internal temp before removing.
The air fryer yields tender, juicy chicken with the satisfying crunch of deep fried. Play around with flavors by spraying chicken with oil and seasonings before cooking. It’s a great healthy shortcut!
Grilled Chicken Tenders
In the summer, try firing up the grill for smoky, char-grilled chicken tenders. Simply toss prepared tenders in oil, season as desired, and grill over direct medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
For extra flavor, consider marinating tenders for 30+ minutes in Italian dressing, lime juice, or teriyaki before grilling. Charred chicken tenders also pair perfectly with grilled veggies or atop a salad.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders
For the easiest preparation, let your slow cooker do the work! Place 1-2 pounds of chicken tenders in the slow cooker and add 1 cup chicken broth or sauce of your choosing.
Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 until chicken is fully cooked. The braising liquid keeps the tenders super moist and tender. Shred and use for tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, and more!
Potential Problems and Solutions
Even the best home cooks can occasionally encounter issues when preparing chicken tenders. Refer to this troubleshooting guide as needed:
| Problem | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Undercooked | Oil not hot enough before frying Didn’t cook long enough |
Ensure oil is 350°F+ before frying Fry 2-3 minutes longer |
| Overcooked | Fried at too high of heat Cooked too long |
Lower heat to 375°F or less Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes |
| Not Crispy | Batter too thick Too much flour |
Thin batter/add more liquid Shake off excess flour before frying |
| Burnt Coating | Oil too hot Breading too thick |
Lower oil temp to 350°F Use thinner/lighter coating |
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect chicken tender, it’s time to think about serving. Here are some fun ideas:
- With condiments – Honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or buffalo sauce for dipping.
- On a salad – As the protein on a fresh garden or chef salad.
- As an appetizer – Bite-sized with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- In sandwiches – Chicken tenders are perfect on sandwiches and wraps.
- Over rice – For a simple protein and grain bowl meal.
- In breakfast – Wake up to chicken and waffles or a breakfast sandwich.
Get creative with sauces, seasonings, and toppings to give basic chicken tenders an exciting twist. They please picky eaters but can be dressed up for more sophisticated meals, making them one of the most versatile foods.
Final Tips
Follow these final tips for foolproof chicken tenders every home cook will be proud of:
- Pound them thin so they cook quickly and get ultra crispy.
- Season well with salt, pepper, spices, or herbs before coating.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil and internal temps.
- Fry in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Let excess oil drain off on paper towels after frying.
- Toss fried tenders in sauce while hot so it sticks.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest results.
Conclusion
Chicken tenders are a dinnertime staple loved by kids and adults alike. With a variety of breading and cooking methods, they can be customized to every taste. Preparing tender, juicy, and crispy chicken tenders at home is easy when you follow a few simple tricks.
Start with high-quality chicken, pound to an even thickness, and properly season. Choose a favorite coating then fry, bake or air fry until golden brown and 165°F. Be sure to monitor oil temperature if frying and don’t overcrowd. Serve hot with desired sauces and sides for the ultimate chicken tender experience.
So grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready to enjoy the crispiest, juiciest chicken tenders ever cooked in your own kitchen!