Chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food, loved by kids and adults alike. Making your own breaded chicken tenders at home is easier than you think, and the results are way better than store-bought or fast food versions. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you bread chicken tenders? – this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to get that perfect crispy coating every time.
What You Need to Bread Chicken Tenders
Before diving into the breading process, gather these simple ingredients and tools:
– Chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
– Flour (all-purpose works great)
– Eggs (beaten)
– Bread crumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorites)
– Three shallow dishes or bowls for dredging
– A skillet or frying pan with oil for cooking
Step-by-Step: How to Bread Chicken Tenders
1. Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes side by side:
– Dish 1: Flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Dish 2: Beaten eggs (you can add a splash of water or milk if you like).
– Dish 3: Bread crumbs seasoned with your favorite spices like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs.
This setup helps keep the breading process neat and efficient.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because moisture can prevent the breading from sticking properly. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each tender.
3. Dredge in Flour
Coat each chicken tender lightly but evenly in the flour mixture. The flour creates a dry surface that helps the egg stick better to the chicken.
4. Dip in Egg Wash
Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully coated – the egg acts as the glue that holds the bread crumbs on.
5. Coat with Bread Crumbs
Finally, press the chicken tender into the bread crumbs, covering it completely. For extra crispy tenders, you can repeat the egg and bread crumb step once more to build up a thicker crust.
6. Cook the Chicken
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded tenders and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Alternatively, you can bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Breaded Chicken Tenders
– Use Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are larger and flakier, giving your tenders a crunchier texture.
– Keep One Hand Dry: When breading, use one hand for dry ingredients (flour and bread crumbs) and the other for wet (egg wash) to avoid clumps sticking to your fingers.
– Season Each Layer: Add a little seasoning to the flour and bread crumbs for more flavor.
– Marinate for Juiciness: Soaking tenders in buttermilk with spices for a few hours before breading makes them tender and flavorful.
– Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and the breading crisp.
Why Bread Chicken Tenders This Way?
The classic three-step breading method (flour, egg, bread crumbs) ensures the coating sticks well and crisps up beautifully. Flour dries the surface, egg acts as a binder, and bread crumbs provide the crunch. Skipping any step can cause the breading to fall off or become soggy.
Variations to Try
– Parmesan Breaded Tenders: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into your bread crumbs for a cheesy twist.
– Spicy Coating: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the bread crumbs for a kick.
– Herb-Infused: Toss dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano into the breading mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your breaded chicken tenders hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or spicy mayo. They’re perfect as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as finger food for parties.
Making breaded chicken tenders at home is a fun and rewarding cooking project. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, juicy tenders that everyone will love.
Enjoy your cooking and happy dipping!