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Crunchy Chicken Tenders

Crunchy Chicken Tenders That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Enjoy these crunchy chicken tenders, a healthier alternative to fried food that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Brining Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
For the Brine
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Adjust to taste.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Essential for that unbeatable crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Olive oil or vegetable oil.
  • 2 large Eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Water For thinning the egg mixture.
  • 1 cup Plain Flour (All-Purpose) Creates the batter for extra crunch.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Optional; can swap with garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Optional.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust according to personal taste.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Brine the Chicken: Mix the chicken tenderloins with salt in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes before rinsing.
  2. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Mix panko breadcrumbs with oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Prepare the Batter: Whisk together eggs, water, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg mixture, then roll in the toasted panko breadcrumbs to coat.
  5. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Optional Air Frying: Cook in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for about 8-10 minutes for an extra crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For storage, keep baked tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge; freeze raw breaded tenders for up to 3 months.

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