Spicy Tenders

Spicy Tenders

Spicy Tenders are a delicious and crispy chicken dish that is sure to please anyone who loves a little heat. With tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and coated in a spicy flour mixture, these tenders are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own, they make a satisfying meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Spicy Tenders at home is simple and rewarding. You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Plus, they are great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a snack while watching a movie. Homemade Spicy Tenders also allow you to avoid any preservatives found in store-bought versions.

How to Make Spicy Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions:

1. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into 1-inch-wide strips and marinating in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the breaded chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces.

How to Serve Spicy Tenders

Serve your Spicy Tenders hot with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy buffalo sauce. You can also pair them with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

How to Store Spicy Tenders

If you have any leftovers, store the Spicy Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Tips to Make Spicy Tenders

• For extra crunch, try double-coating the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk and the flour mixture twice.
• Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor; consider adding chili powder or oregano.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy tenders.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can bake the Spicy Tenders instead of frying them. Simply place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and breading.

2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. How can I make these tenders less spicy?
To lower the heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also replace it with a milder spice.