Crack Chicken Tenders
Crispy, flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious family-friendly meal with a cheesy, savory coating and an irresistible crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using almond flour)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella/cheddar for variation)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a wide bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even and flavorful crust mixture.
- Set Up the Dipping Station: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and well combined. This will help the coating adhere tightly to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat to approximately 350°F. Fry the coated chicken tenders for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove tenders from the skillet and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Let chicken tenders sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before coating for even cooking.
- Parmesan cheese is essential for that signature flavor and crispy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect frying and to avoid greasy tenders.
- For extra crunch, double dredge by dipping again in egg and flour mixture before frying.
- Drain tenders on a wire rack over paper towels to keep them crispy longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken, quick chicken recipe, fried chicken tenders, cheesy chicken, family-friendly appetizer
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/crack-chicken-tenders/
