Crispy & Tender Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders Made with Tender Chicken Tenderloin
Introducing a special homemade dish perfect for extended time at home! These chicken tenders are wonderfully savory, making them an ideal side dish for children’s meals or a delightful snack to pair with your evening beer. Enjoy the delicious balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Main Ingredients
- 300g chicken tenderloin
- 300ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 300g of chicken tenderloin. To eliminate any gamey odor and ensure a more tender texture, soak the chicken tenderloins in 300ml of milk for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of your tenders.
Step 2
After soaking in milk, rinse the chicken tenderloins under water. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Letting them marinate for about 15-20 minutes will allow the flavors to penetrate fully, resulting in even more delicious chicken tenders.
Step 3
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your coating ingredients. In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 eggs to create an egg wash. In separate bowls, prepare 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Keeping them separate makes the coating process smoother.
Step 4
Begin by lightly coating the seasoned chicken tenderloins with flour. Ensure an even, thin layer of flour covers each piece. Gently shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere better in the next stage.
Step 5
Next, dip the floured chicken tenderloins into the prepared egg wash, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off briefly.
Step 6
Finally, roll the egg-washed chicken tenderloins in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are evenly covered. A good coating of breadcrumbs will give your tenders that desirable crispy texture when cooked.
Step 7
Once all chicken tenderloins are coated, it’s time to cook them by frying or using an air fryer. If frying, heat oil to 170-180°C (340-350°F) and fry until golden brown and cooked through. For the air fryer, lightly spray the coated tenders with oil and place them in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F). Cook for 7 minutes per side, for a total of 14 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. They should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Step 8
The freshly cooked chicken tenders are best stored in individual portions in airtight bags or containers in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes, and they’ll be as warm and delicious as if freshly made! They are perfect for a quick kids’ snack or for entertaining.
