chicken tenders recipes for dinner
Introduction
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are a popular dish among both adults and children. Chicken tenders are made up of thinly cut strips of boneless, skinless chicken breast that have been breaded with flour and seasonings.
They can be served either fried or baked and often come with dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch dressing. The history of the dish is not entirely clear but some believe it originated in North America during the 1950s although similar dishes existed prior to this time in other parts of the world. Eating chicken tenders is an excellent way to get lean protein into your diet without having to eat large portions since they’re usually smaller than regular pieces of chicken breasts. Additionally, if cooked properly they can be quite delicious!
How to Make Chicken Tenders
Ingredients Needed:
To make chicken tenders, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper,
garlic powder or other seasonings of your choice for the batter. You will also need oil for frying and any desired dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Instructions for Making the Batter:
Start by cutting each breast into 1 to 2 inch strips. Then combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish or bowl. Add any additional seasonings that you like such as garlic powder.
Once mixed together coat each piece of chicken in this mixture until fully covered on both sides then set aside on
a plate while heating up your oil.
Cooking Instructions:
Once your oil has reached 350°F (175°C) use tongs to carefully place each coated strip into the hot oil
and fry until golden brown on both sides—about 4 minutes total should be enough time but it may
vary depending on how thick your strips are cut so be sure to check them frequently to avoid over cooking. When done remove from heat and transfer onto paper towels to absorb excess grease before serving with desired dipping sauce(s). Enjoy!
Health Benefits of Eating Chicken Tenders
The nutritional value of chicken tenders makes them a great choice for both adults and children. Chicken tenders are high in protein, containing about 13 grams per 3-ounce serving. They also contain important vitamins such as B6 and niacin, which help to boost energy levels. In addition to being high in protein, chicken tenders are low in fat and calories making them
an ideal meal option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Eating chicken tenders can also have heart health benefits since they’re a lean source of protein that is free from unhealthy saturated fats.
Studies show that eating lean proteins like chicken breast can reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) while
increasing good cholesterol (HDL). Eating more lean proteins like chicken tenders can also aid in lowering blood pressure levels due to their
low sodium content which helps keep the heart healthy overall.
Another major benefit of eating chicken tenders is the amount of protein it provides
your body with—each 3-ounce serving contains around 13 grams of protein which is essential
for muscle growth and repair as well as supporting other vital bodily functions such as hormones production and digestion. Eating a diet rich in lean proteins such as poultry may even help you feel fuller longer due to its slow digesting
quality helping curb cravings throughout the day!
Different Ways to Enjoy Chicken Tenders
Enjoying Chicken Tenders as an Appetizer
Chicken tenders are the perfect pre-dinner nibble.
Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue or ranch and they’ll be sure
to satisfy even picky eaters! You can also serve chicken tenders alongside other appetizers such as chips,
dips or crudités for a fun and filling starter to any meal.
Substituting Chicken Tenders for Burgers
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to burgers, why not give chicken tenders a try? Breaded and lightly fried in oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside,
these delicious strips make for an excellent substitute for traditional hamburgers! Serve them in buns with all your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion—
and enjoy just like you would any classic burger.
Using Chicken Tenders in Salads
For those seeking lighter fare, why not top off your salad with some crunchy chicken tenders? Baked instead of fried is always
recommended if possible but either way these strips add great texture to otherwise boring salads. Opt for something more creative than just lettuce by adding roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini along with feta cheese crumbles then finish it off with some delicious grilled or baked chicken tenders. The combination of flavors will be sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Tenders
Using the Right Amount of Oil
When making chicken tenders, it is important to use just enough oil so that they can be cooked evenly and not become greasy. For best results, you should use a deep-fryer or other pan with high sides as this will help contain splattering. To determine how much oil you need for your recipe, fill the cooking vessel up halfway with oil (or until it reaches at least two inches in depth) before beginning to fry. It’s also important to make sure the temperature of the oil remains consistent throughout cooking by checking it often with a thermometer. The ideal range should be between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C).
Making Sure the Batter is the Right Consistency
In order for your batter to stick properly and create an even coating on each strip of chicken tenders, it needs to have just the right consistency. To achieve this perfect mixture start off by combining all-purpose flour with salt and pepper then gradually add water until everything comes together into a thickened paste like consistency—it shouldn’t be runny but still thin enough that when spooned out onto strips of chicken breast it won’t cake up too heavy either! Also feel free to add any additional seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor if desired.
Seasoning to Taste
Once your batter has been prepared and applied evenly across each piece of chicken tender its time to move onto seasoning! This step is often overlooked yet incredibly important because while having delicious breading helps give these strips their signature crunchiness its what lies beneath that really makes them stand out! Sprinkle salt generously over each side before frying then after they come out top them off again with some freshly cracked black pepper or any other herbs/spices you enjoy such as cumin, oregano or thyme—the possibilities are endless here so don’
Conclusion
Eating chicken tenders can be a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty. Not only are they high in protein and low in fat, but they also contain vital vitamins and minerals that promote overall health. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or main course, chicken tenders offer both convenience and taste. With the right ingredients and cooking method, you can create the perfect crispy strips of goodness every time!
When it comes to making your own chicken tenders at home there are several key elements that must be taken into consideration such as oil temperature, batter consistency and seasoning levels. To ensure success when frying up these mouth-watering treats it is important to use just enough oil so that each strip cooks evenly yet not too much so as to keep them from becoming greasy. Moreover, having the right batter consistency will help make sure your breading sticks properly while also providing additional flavor when done correctly—just don’t forget about adding some extra seasonings after they come out of the fryer too!
In conclusion, eating chicken tenders can be both enjoyable and nutritious if cooked correctly with quality ingredients. Not only do they provide essential nutrients like protein but their low fat content makes them ideal for those looking maintain or lose weight while still enjoying a delicious meal. With all this in mind why not give homemade chicken tenders a try today?
