Take a Break from the Boring

Eating healthy is something we all strive to do. Some are more successful than others, but we all try to some extent.

The thing is, though, sometimes you need a break from what can feel like a food prison. Counting calories and steering clear of certain ingredients can make feeding yourself feel like a constant chore.

Everyone needs a cheat day. Or two. If this is how you’ve been feeling, then look no further for a break from the boring! This simple, spicy chicken tenders recipe will get your taste buds excited again.

The spicy, crunchy breading delights the senses, and the juicy, tender white meat inside feels like a treat with every bite.

And they only take half an hour to make, leaving you with extra time to get out of the kitchen and enjoy your day!

They reheat quickly in a microwave or the oven, and they can be stored in the fridge for about three days. Easy snacks and lunches for days!

Break up the boring this week with some spicy chicken tenders!

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Take a break from the boring.

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Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders* raw
3 cups canola oil**

For Eggwash

1 each egg beaten
1/8 cup half & half
1/2 cup hot sauce***

For Dredge

1 cup flour
1/2 cup breadcrumbs****
1 tbsp baking powder
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp celery salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme

Instructions

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Oil should be ~350 degrees.
Mix together all ingredients for egg wash in a bowl.
Mix all ingredients for dredge in a separate bowl.
Take each individual chicken tender and soak it in the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour mixture.
Drop dredged chicken into the hot oil for ~4 minutes then turn it and cook for about 4 more minutes. Do not overcrowd chicken in the pan.
To check whether or not the chicken is cooked all the way through take a large piece and cut into the middle of it. No pink in the meat and clear juices running out will indicate the chicken is done.
Take chicken out of the pan and place on a paper towel on a plate to rest 5 minutes.
Serve with biscuits, mashed potatoes, veggies, and/or just your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

* Raw chicken tenders can usually be store-bought, but otherwise, regular chicken breasts will suffice. Simply cut them into semi-equal sizes (about an inch and a half across, if they are large chicken breasts, you will want to half those lengthwise).

**Many oils/frying mediums will work. Canola is probably the most budget-friendly, but if you want something healthier and more flavorful try using tallow or coconut oil.

*** For the hot sauce, Frank’s or Chalua are great, but others such as Tapitio, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and Tabasco are also good. Consider your tolerance for spicy.

****Any breadcrumbs will do, but consider what you want the texture like (i.e. big, course breadcrumbs or small, fine breadcrumbs).

Keyword Break up the boring, Chicken, Spicy Tenders