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Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders are tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a crunchy, flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Marinated in buttermilk and baked or air-fried to golden perfection, these tenders make a delicious appetizer or main course perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or breast strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

For the Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk and hot sauce if using. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare Coating: In one bowl, whisk the beaten eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press into the coating mixture to ensure even coverage. Place coated tenders on a tray.
  4. Bake or Air-Fry: For oven method, preheat the oven to 425°F and place the breaded chicken tenders on a rack over a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy. For air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook tenders for 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness.
  5. Serve: Remove the crispy chicken tenders and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use a combination of panko and crushed cornflakes as the coating.
  • If buttermilk is not available, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to mimic tanginess.
  • Marinating chicken for 30 minutes tenderizes the meat and adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Using a wire rack when baking helps the heat circulate for an even crust.
  • Flip the tenders halfway when air frying for uniform crispiness on both sides.
  • Adjust seasoning in the coating to taste; add cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/crispy-crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/