Description
Spicy Breaded Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden strips of chicken with a fiery kick from cayenne and hot sauce. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or game-day snack, they’re tender inside and boldly seasoned outside.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat eggs and add hot sauce if using.
- Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour mixture, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat with bread crumbs. Press to adhere well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra heat, double the cayenne or add crushed red pepper to the breading.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Try a buttermilk and hot sauce marinade before breading for added tenderness.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg