These fried chicken tenders are crisp and satisfying, especially when paired with a cool and creamy, slightly spicy dipping sauce. They're a great kid-friendly meal, or try serving them atop a bed of salad greens, drizzled with the creamy salsa cilantro sauce. A deep fryer is the best tool to make fried chicken tenders, but if you don't have one, you can make do with a Dutch oven and a deep frying thermometer. (Larger image.)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
- 1 pound chicken breast meat, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup plan low-fat yogurt (preferably Greek style)
- 1/2 cup prepared salsa
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation:
- Arrange three shallow dishes or pie pans in a row. In the first, add flour and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, stir lightly with a fork to combine. In the second dish, combine egg and water. In the third dish, add breadcrumbs, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, paprika and powdered garlic, and stir to combine.
- Pat chicken breast meat dry. Working with one or two pieces at a time, dredge in flour, coating completely and patting excess flour off. Then dip chicken in egg mixture, again coating completely. Finally, roll chicken in breadcrumbs, coating completely. Place breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-covered sheet pan. When all chicken pieces have been breaded, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in deep fryer or a Dutch oven to 350˚F. To make sauce, in a bowl, stir together yogurt, salsa and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the meat should register 170˚F when tested with a meat thermometer). Transfer cooked chicken to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Serve hot with Creamy Salsa Cilantro Sauce for dipping.
This recipe for Fried Chicken Tenders with Creamy Salsa Cilantro Sauce makes 4 servings.
