Are you tired of serving the same old boring meals to your family? Look no further. In this article, we will show you how to make delicious homemade chicken tenders in a deep fryer that are sure to become a hit with both kids and adults. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create crispy and juicy chicken tenders that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why making homemade chicken tenders is a great idea. Here are a few reasons:
- Control over ingredients: When you make homemade chicken tenders, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into them. This means you can choose to use organic chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and other healthy ingredients that align with your dietary preferences.
- Customization: Homemade chicken tenders can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Want to add some spice? No problem. Want to try a different seasoning blend? Easy.
- Cost-effective: Making homemade chicken tenders is often cheaper than buying them pre-made from the store. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze them for later, which can save you money in the long run.
- Fun and easy: Making homemade chicken tenders is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Kids love helping with the breading process, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Deep fryer or large pot with at least 3-4 inches of vegetable oil
- Thermometer
- Tray or plate for draining excess oil
- Paper towels for drying
Preparing the Breading Station
Before we start breading the chicken, let’s set up our breading station. This will make the process much easier and less messy. Here’s how to do it:
- In one shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the dishes in a row, with the flour mixture first, followed by the eggs, and then the breadcrumb mixture.
Breading the Chicken
Now it’s time to bread the chicken. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a chicken strip and dip it in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Dip the floured chicken strip in the eggs, making sure to coat it completely.
- Finally, dip the egg-coated chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
- Place the breaded chicken strip on a plate or tray and repeat the process with the remaining chicken strips.
Cooking the Chicken Tenders in a Deep Fryer
Now that our chicken tenders are breaded, it’s time to cook them in the deep fryer. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the vegetable oil in the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few breaded chicken tenders into the deep fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a tray or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fry
Here are a few tips for achieving the perfect fry:
- Use the right oil: Choose a vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or avocado oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook: Cook the chicken tenders until they are golden brown and cooked through, but not overcooked.
- Drain excess oil: Use paper towels to drain excess oil from the chicken tenders after they are cooked.
Serving and Storing Homemade Chicken Tenders
Now that our homemade chicken tenders are cooked, it’s time to serve and store them. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with dipping sauce: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
- Serve with sides: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or baked beans.
- Store in the fridge: Store leftover chicken tenders in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze leftover chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Variations and Ideas
Here are a few variations and ideas to try:
- Spicy chicken tenders: Add some heat to your chicken tenders by sprinkling them with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes before breading.
- Italian-style chicken tenders: Add some Italian flair to your chicken tenders by sprinkling them with dried oregano and basil before breading.
- Buffalo chicken tenders: Make buffalo-style chicken tenders by tossing them in buffalo sauce after they are cooked.
Conclusion
Making homemade chicken tenders in a deep fryer is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create crispy and juicy chicken tenders that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal idea, give homemade chicken tenders a try.
What are the essential ingredients for making crispy and juicy homemade chicken tenders?
To make crispy and juicy homemade chicken tenders, you will need a few essential ingredients. These include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs or panko, and your choice of seasonings. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to give your chicken tenders extra flavor.
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, you will also need a deep fryer and enough oil to fill it to the recommended level. It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer on hand to ensure that the oil reaches the correct temperature. This will help you achieve crispy and juicy chicken tenders that are cooked to perfection.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts for making chicken tenders?
To prepare the chicken breasts for making chicken tenders, you will need to cut them into strips. You can do this by cutting the breasts into long, thin strips, about 1-2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to cut the strips evenly so that they cook consistently.
Once you have cut the chicken breasts into strips, you will need to season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as garlic powder or paprika. After seasoning the chicken strips, you can move on to the next step in the process, which is dredging them in flour.
What is the best type of oil to use for deep-frying chicken tenders?
The best type of oil to use for deep-frying chicken tenders is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. Some good options include peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can be heated to high temperatures without breaking down or smoking.
When choosing an oil for deep-frying chicken tenders, make sure to select a high-quality oil that is fresh and has not been used before. You should also make sure to use the correct amount of oil for your deep fryer, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I achieve crispy and juicy chicken tenders in a deep fryer?
To achieve crispy and juicy chicken tenders in a deep fryer, you will need to follow a few key steps. First, make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature, which is usually between 350-375°F. Next, dredge the chicken strips in flour, then dip them in eggs, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs or panko.
Once the chicken strips are coated, carefully place them in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the deep fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or undercooked chicken tenders.
How do I ensure food safety when deep-frying chicken tenders?
To ensure food safety when deep-frying chicken tenders, you will need to follow a few key guidelines. First, make sure to handle the chicken safely and hygienically, washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling the chicken. You should also make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, which is the minimum safe temperature for cooked chicken.
In addition to handling and cooking the chicken safely, you should also make sure to clean and maintain your deep fryer regularly. This includes changing the oil frequently, cleaning the fryer basket and other parts, and checking the fryer’s temperature control to ensure it is working correctly.
Can I reuse the oil after deep-frying chicken tenders?
Yes, you can reuse the oil after deep-frying chicken tenders, but you will need to follow a few guidelines. First, make sure to strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any debris or particles. You should also check the oil’s temperature and smell to ensure it is still good to use.
If the oil is still good, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, if the oil has been used multiple times or has an off smell, it’s best to discard it and use fresh oil for your next batch of chicken tenders.
How do I store leftover chicken tenders?
To store leftover chicken tenders, you will need to cool them to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container. You can store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
When reheating leftover chicken tenders, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat the chicken tenders in the oven, microwave, or deep fryer, depending on your preference.