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- Chicken tenders and their role in the recipe Chicken tenders are the star of this dish. They are tender, juicy, and cook quickly. Their smaller size makes them perfect for frying. Using fresh or thawed chicken tenders gives the best results. - Seasonings and marinades The marinade adds flavor. You need honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Honey gives a touch of sweetness. Lemon adds a fresh zing. Garlic and onion powder enhance the taste and keep it savory. - Types of breading ingredients For the breading, you will need panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. The panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy texture. The flour helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Use two eggs to create a wet mix for coating the chicken. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Honey-Lemon Chicken Tenders. Marinating the chicken Start by mixing honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mix gives the chicken a bright and tasty flavor. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Setting up the breading station Next, prepare your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs until they are smooth. In the third dish, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes the breading process easy and efficient. Steps for breading chicken tenders Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl. Let the excess marinade drip off. First, dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off the extra. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken tender in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well. This gives your chicken tenders a crunchy outside. Heating the oil properly Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a good amount of vegetable oil (or use cooking spray for a lighter option). Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. This is important for achieving that crispy texture. Frying techniques for crispy tenders Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps them cook evenly. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color to know they are ready. Checking doneness for safety To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken tenders out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This will drain any extra oil. Now your chicken tenders are ready to serve! You can drizzle them with some leftover honey-lemon marinade for extra flavor. To get ultra-crispy chicken tenders, follow these tips. First, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy, making your tenders crunchy. Next, control the oil temperature. Heat it to medium but do not let it smoke. This step ensures even cooking. Lastly, give your chicken enough marinating time. A minimum of 30 minutes helps the flavors soak in. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for even better results. Avoid overcrowding the pan when you fry your chicken. If you add too many tenders at once, they will steam instead of fry. This makes them soggy instead of crispy. Do not skip the breading steps either. Each layer adds flavor and crunch. Finally, use the marinade well. It adds moisture and flavor to your chicken. Make sure to coat your chicken well before breading. These tips will help you create the perfect chicken tenders every time! {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your chicken tenders easily. Try adding different seasoning blends. For a spicy kick, use cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you prefer herbs, mix in dried oregano or thyme. These small changes can make a big difference. For the breading, consider gluten-free options. Instead of all-purpose flour, use almond flour or a gluten-free mix. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also try crushed cornflakes or ground nuts for unique textures and flavors. You can cook chicken tenders in various ways. Baking is a healthier choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Frying gives a crispy outer layer. Use a deep skillet with oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches so the oil stays hot. This method yields a crunchy, satisfying bite. For a modern twist, try air frying. It uses hot air to cook the food. Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll get a crispy finish with less oil. Experimenting with these methods and flavors can make your chicken tenders truly unique. Check the Full Recipe for more tips! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a shallow container. This helps air circulate and keeps them crispy. You can use glass or plastic containers with lids. Always store in the fridge. They stay good for about three days. Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want them crispy, not soggy. The best way to reheat them is in an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the outside crunchy. If you use a microwave, the tenders may get soft. So, avoid that if possible. Enjoy your chicken tenders just like they were fresh! How to make chicken tenders from scratch? To make chicken tenders from scratch, start with fresh chicken. Use 1 pound of chicken tenders. Marinate them in a mix of honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. Next, set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each tender in flour, then egg, and finally panko. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. What is the best way to freeze chicken tenders? To freeze chicken tenders, let them cool completely after cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method helps keep them crispy. Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work well too. Just cut them into strips for even cooking. Ensure the pieces are about the same size for the best results. Calories and macronutrient breakdown of chicken tenders One serving of chicken tenders has about 300 calories. It contains 16 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs. The exact values may vary based on the cooking method and ingredients used. Healthier sides to serve with chicken tenders For healthier sides, consider fresh veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices. You can also serve a simple salad or baked sweet potato fries. These options add nutrition and color to your meal. Suggested stores for fresh chicken tenders You can find fresh chicken tenders at most grocery stores. Look at places like Walmart, Kroger, or Whole Foods. Local butcher shops often have high-quality chicken as well. Online options for specialty ingredients If you need specialty items like panko breadcrumbs or specific spices, check online stores. Amazon or specialty food websites offer a wide range of options. They often deliver right to your door, making it easy to cook! In this article, we explored how to create delicious chicken tenders. We reviewed key ingredients, from chicken to marinades. We detailed preparation steps, frying techniques, and tips for perfect texture. I also highlighted common mistakes and variations for flavor and cooking methods. Chicken tenders can be easily customized to fit your taste. Follow these steps, and you'll enjoy crispy, tasty tenders every time. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

Chicken Tenders

Savor the delightful crunch of these Honey-Lemon Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of honey and zesty lemon for a mouthwatering flavor that's perfect for family dinners. In just an hour, you can create a crispy outside with tender chicken inside that everyone will love. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy every bite of this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, coating them well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) for enhanced flavor.

    Prepare the Coatings: Set up a breading station: in one shallow dish, add the flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper; in another dish, beat the eggs; and in a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. First, dredge each tender in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of vegetable oil over medium heat (or use cooking spray for a lighter version). Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

              Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, drizzled with any leftover honey-lemon marinade for extra flavor!

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4