20-minute spicy chicken tenders recipe

Quick & Easy 20-Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

by

It’s 6 pm and you’re hungry. You look into your fridge and it’s empty. Don’t worry, I’ve got a great recipe for you. It’s the 20-Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders. It’s fast, delicious, and will make your evening special.

Why These Spicy Chicken Tenders Are a Game-Changer

Spicy chicken tenders are a favorite, thanks to places like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. Now, you can make weeknight meals at home with this easy recipe. These budget-friendly tenders offer restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes.

Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners

This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, tasty meal. Breaded, fried chicken tenders have been a hit for 50 years, with sales growing at chains like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

Chicken tenders are everywhere, from school lunches to sports stadiums. This recipe lets you make restaurant-quality tenders at home. It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

Making these spicy chicken tenders at home is easy and budget-friendly. The recipe comes with clear instructions and a list of ingredients. It’s tender and crispy, just like your favorite fast-food spots.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Spicy Tenders

Making delicious spicy chicken tenders needs the right ingredients. At the core are the chicken tender ingredients – tender chicken tenderloins. They are the base for the spicy flavors.

The chicken is marinated in a tangy spicy chicken marinade with buttermilk. This makes the meat tender and moist. Spices like Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper add heat and flavor.

  • Chicken tenderloins
  • Buttermilk
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs (optional)
  • Hot honey
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce

The chicken is then floured lightly. An optional egg wash adds crispiness. A homemade hot honey sauce, made with honey and crushed red pepper, is drizzled over. Apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce complete the seasoning, offering a sweet, spicy, and savory mix.

Using natural ingredients and avoiding MSG, this recipe offers a genuine and tasty spicy chicken tender experience.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect spicy chicken tenders, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools and equipment. Let’s dive into the essential items and some optional tools that can enhance your cooking experience.

Basic Equipment Requirements

  • Meat mallet: For tenderizing the chicken and achieving a tender, juicy texture.
  • Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the breading ingredients.
  • Whisk: To blend the wet ingredients for the breading evenly.
  • Shallow dishes: For dredging the chicken in the flour and breading mixture.
  • Cast iron skillet or deep fryer: For frying the chicken tenders to achieve a crispy golden-brown finish.
  • Kitchen thermometer: To ensure the oil temperature is maintained at the optimal 375°F for frying.

Optional Tools for Enhanced Results

While the essential items listed above are necessary, there are some optional tools that can take your spicy chicken tenders to the next level:

  • Wire racks and baking sheets: For keeping the fried chicken tenders crisp and preventing them from getting soggy.
  • Tongs: For safely handling the hot chicken tenders during the frying and plating process.
  • Air fryer: If you prefer a healthier cooking method, an air fryer can provide a delicious and crispy alternative to traditional frying.

Temperature Control Essentials

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and doneness of your spicy chicken tenders. A reliable kitchen thermometer is a must-have tool to ensure the oil is heated to the recommended 375°F before frying. This will help you avoid soggy or undercooked tenders, and ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior every time.

20-Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Want a restaurant-quality spicy chicken tenders dish fast? This spicy chicken tenders recipe is ready in 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick after-school snack.

The secret to these tasty tenders is the marinade. We use 1 1/2 lbs of fresh chicken tenderloins. They soak in a buttermilk and spice mix for 10 minutes. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.

Then, we coat the chicken in seasoned flour before frying it in hot canola oil. The tenders cook in 4-5 minutes per side until they’re 165°F inside.

To elevate these quick chicken recipe tenders, we make a special spicy sauce. It’s made with 3 cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of hot honey, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and spicy, making the chicken even better.

Serve the spicy chicken tenders over rice or noodles with stir-fried veggies. Add chopped green onions for freshness. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great prep option.

spicy chicken tenders

This spicy chicken tenders recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. It’s a hit with its mix of heat, sweetness, and crunch. And it’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Preparing the Chicken for Maximum Tenderness

To get the chicken tenders just right, start with the right prep. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips, about a quarter inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Or, you can pound the chicken with a meat mallet to make it tender and even.

Proper Cutting Techniques

Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when slicing the chicken. This helps them cook evenly and look good. Slice against the grain for a tender texture.

Seasoning Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, Cajun spices, and a bit of cayenne pepper. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat, while the spices add a spicy kick. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight.

For the breading, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. This blend creates a tasty crust that goes well with the tender chicken.

IngredientQuantity
Chicken Breasts1 1/2 to 2 pounds, boneless and skinless
Buttermilk1 1/2 cups
Buffalo Wing Sauce or Hot Sauce1/2 cup
Garlic Powder2 1/2 teaspoons
All-Purpose Flour2 cups
Kosher Salt1 teaspoon
Black Pepper1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon
Cajun Seasoning1 teaspoon

The Secret to Achieving Crispy Coating

The secret to crispy chicken tenders is the double-dredging technique. First, coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Then, dip it in an egg wash before coating it again in flour. This makes the crust thicker and crunchier, turning golden when fried.

It’s important to keep the oil at 375°F for frying. This high heat seals in the juices and crisps the outside perfectly.

After frying, let the crispy chicken tenders rest on a wire rack. This step helps the oil drain off, keeping the coating crisp until you serve it.

“The double-dredging technique is the secret to restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders at home.”

crispy chicken tenders

Mastering double-dredging and temperature control can take your crispy chicken tenders to the next level. This simple method ensures every bite is irresistibly crunchy.

Cooking Methods and Temperature Guide

Preparing frying chicken tenders can be done in two ways: pan-frying or air-frying. Both methods give great results. Your choice depends on what you like and what your kitchen has.

Pan-Frying Instructions

To pan-fry chicken tenders, heat a lot of oil in a big skillet or deep fryer to 375°F. Cook the chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches a safe 165°F inside. Always use a meat thermometer to check if it’s cooked well.

Air Fryer Alternative

For a healthier option, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the tenders lightly with oil. Then, cook them for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway. This way, you get a crispy outside without deep frying.

Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket, no matter the method. This helps keep the chicken crispy. With a bit of practice, you’ll make delicious frying chicken tenders at home.

Making the Signature Spicy Sauce

Make your spicy chicken tenders even better with a homemade sauce. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and spicy. It turns your dish into something special.

The sauce starts with hot honey. You make it by simmering honey with crushed red pepper flakes for 10 minutes. This gives the honey a spicy kick that goes well with chicken. After straining out the pepper flakes, you mix the hot honey with apple cider vinegar and minced garlic.

As the sauce simmers, the flavors mix and it gets thicker. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives it a savory taste. This adds depth to the sauce’s sweetness and heat.

This spicy chicken sauce is easy to change up. You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of crushed red pepper. Or, add more hot honey recipe for even more spice.

IngredientQuantity
Honey1/2 cup
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes1 tablespoon
Apple Cider Vinegar1/4 cup
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Worcestershire Sauce1 tablespoon

With this spicy chicken sauce, your chicken tenders will be a hit. Drizzle it over the tenders or use it as a dipping sauce. Your homemade dish will impress everyone.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Make your spicy chicken tenders even better by adding tasty side dishes. Try pairing them with white rice, brown rice, or whole grains for a solid base. For something different, serve with cold soba noodles or cooked ramen.

Adding vibrant stir-fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bok choy is a great idea. They bring color and freshness to your meal.

Complementary Side Options

  • White rice
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grains
  • Cold soba noodles
  • Cooked ramen
  • Stir-fried broccoli
  • Steamed carrots
  • Sautéed bok choy

Plating Recommendations

For a stunning presentation, place the spicy chicken tenders on a platter with your chosen sides. Include a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or blue cheese. This will make your meal look and taste amazing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying spicy chicken tenders doesn’t have to stop when you’re done eating. With the right storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful tenders for days.

For leftover chicken tenders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze uncooked, breaded tenders for up to 3 months. To reheat, put them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Don’t microwave your fried chicken tenders. It makes them soggy. Instead, bake them in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Or air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and safe at 165°F.

By using these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your spicy chicken tenders for a long time. Every bite will be as good as the first.

Reheating fried chicken tenders

Healthy Adaptations and Variations

For a healthier version, use skinless chicken breast instead of traditional tenders. This change cuts down on fat and boosts lean protein. To get a crispy texture, air fry or bake the tenders instead of deep-frying.

Looking for a low-carb option? Try almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps carbs low while keeping the coating crispy. For gluten-free tenders, use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure all seasonings are gluten-free too.

Need to avoid dairy? Use almond milk and lemon juice for a tangy flavor without buttermilk. Adjust the spice to your liking and try different seasonings like Italian herbs or lemon pepper for new flavors.

FAQ

What makes these spicy chicken tenders a game-changer?

These spicy chicken tenders are a quick and tasty option for busy nights. They’re inspired by Popeyes’ spicy tenders. You can make them in 20 minutes and enjoy great taste without spending a lot.

What are the key ingredients for the perfect spicy chicken tenders?

You’ll need chicken tenderloins, buttermilk for marinating, and spices like Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Also, flour for coating, egg wash, and hot honey sauce are key.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make these spicy chicken tenders?

You’ll need a meat mallet, mixing bowls, a whisk, and shallow dishes for dredging. A cast iron skillet or deep fryer and a kitchen thermometer are also essential. An air fryer is optional.

How do you ensure the chicken tenders are tender and the coating is crispy?

Pound the chicken to an even thickness and marinate in buttermilk for tenderness. Double-dredging in egg wash and seasoned flour makes the coating crispy.

What are the cooking methods and temperature guidelines for these spicy chicken tenders?

Heat oil to 375°F for pan-frying. Cook chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. For air frying, preheat to 400°F and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway. Always use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.

How do you make the signature spicy sauce for these chicken tenders?

Start by making hot honey by simmering honey with crushed red pepper. Then, sauté garlic in oil and mix it with hot honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can adjust the heat to your liking.

What are some serving suggestions and side dish options for the spicy chicken tenders?

Serve with white rice, brown rice, or whole grains for a classic side. Noodle dishes like cold soba or cooked ramen are also good. Stir-fried vegetables and various dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese are great too.

How should the leftover spicy chicken tenders be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze uncooked tenders for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, ensuring they reach 165°F.

What healthy adaptations or variations can be made to this spicy chicken tenders recipe?

Use skinless chicken breast for a healthier option. Try air frying or baking instead of deep frying. Use almond or coconut flour for a low-carb version. Replace buttermilk with almond milk and lemon juice for a dairy-free option. Adjust the spice levels to your taste.

Leave a Comment