Quick & Easy 15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delectable 15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe! This quick and easy dish features juicy, crispy chicken tenders. They are coated in a flavorful spice blend and paired with a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or after-school snacks, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Key Takeaways

• Flavorful spice-coated chicken tenders that can be prepared in under 20 minutes
• Creamy sweet and spicy dipping sauce complements the crispy chicken perfectly
• Ideal for busy weeknights or quick snacks, satisfying both kids and adults
• Versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences
• Simple and straightforward cooking process using basic kitchen ingredients

What Makes These Spicy Chicken Tenders Special

These spicy fried chicken tenders are a mix of heat and flavor. They are perfect for busy weeknights. They also appeal to both adults and kids.

Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor

The secret to these spicy chicken tender recipes is the spice blend. It adds a nice kick without hiding the chicken’s natural taste. You get a crispy outside and a juicy inside, making it a treat.

Time-Saving Preparation Method

These spicy chicken tenders are quick to make, taking only 40 minutes. You marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor. Then, a fast fry gives you a crispy finish in minutes.

Family-Friendly Appeal

This spicy fried chicken recipe is loved by everyone. It’s great for those who love spice and those who don’t. You can adjust the heat to please everyone, making it a hit for the whole family.

Get ready to enjoy the perfect mix of heat and flavor with these spicy chicken tender recipes. They’re perfect for a quick and tasty meal any day.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Tenders

Making delicious chicken tender marinade and crispy chicken tenders starts with the right ingredients. At the center are juicy chicken tenderloins. They are the perfect base for the bold flavors to come.

To get the perfect mix of heat and texture, you need a few key things:

• Chicken tenderloins: These lean, tender cuts of meat are the star of the show, delivering a high-protein boost.
• Buttermilk: This tangy marinade helps tenderize the chicken and creates a moist, flavorful interior.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the crispy coating, providing a light and crunchy texture.
• Spice blend: A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning adds the perfect punch of heat and robust flavor.

For an extra layer of authenticity, you can even add a pinch of MSG. MSG is often used in fast-food chicken recipes to enhance the savory notes.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures your chicken tender marinade and crispy chicken tenders will be exceptional every time.

With these essential ingredients, you’re on your way to making a batch of crispy chicken tenders that everyone will love.

“These chicken tenders are a game-changer! The marinade makes them so juicy and flavorful, and the crispy coating is just perfect. I can’t get enough of them.” – ★★★★★ REVIEW

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make delicious air fryer chicken tenders or baked chicken tenders at home, you’ll need some basic tools. Luckily, you probably already have these in your kitchen. This makes it easy to make this tasty dish.

Basic Kitchen Essentials

• Mixing bowls in various sizes for preparing the marinade and dredging mixture
• A whisk for blending the ingredients smoothly
• Shallow dishes or plates for the dredging process
• A cast iron skillet or deep fryer for frying the chicken tenders

Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results

1. A meat mallet to tenderize the chicken tenders for a more tender texture
2. A digital kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for optimal frying
3. A wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for draining the fried chicken tenders
4. An air fryer or oven for baking the chicken tenders as a healthier alternative to frying

With these tools and equipment, you’ll be ready to make perfect baked or air fryer chicken tenders. You’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

“The spicy chicken tenders were a hit with my family! The Cajun seasoning really made them pop with flavor.”

15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready for a quick and easy chicken tender recipe that packs a flavorful punch! These 15-minute spicy chicken tenders are perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a delicious, satisfying meal. The secret to their success lies in the perfect balance of heat and flavor, achieved through a carefully curated blend of spices and a time-saving preparation method.

To start, the chicken tenders are marinated in a buttermilk mixture, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with moisture. Then, they’re coated in a seasoned flour mixture, featuring a blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and harissa. The tenders are then fried to a golden-brown perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior.

1. Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cumin, paprika, harissa, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the marinated chicken tenders in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven with 1-2 inches of olive oil to 375°F.
5. Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the fried tenders on a paper towel-lined plate and season with additional salt, if desired.

The key to perfectly cooked quick chicken recipes like these easy chicken tenders is maintaining the right oil temperature and avoiding overcrowding the pan. This ensures the tenders get a nice char without steaming or becoming soggy.

Enjoy these spicy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty Moroccan-inspired yogurt-cucumber sauce. Serve them alongside couscous salad, Moroccan flatbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your personal preference by adding more or less harissa paste. Bon appétit!

Seasoning Mix and Marinade Guide

Take your spicy fried chicken to the next level with a great seasoning blend and a tasty buttermilk marinade. This guide will show you how to make your chicken tender marinade both flavorful and tender.

Spice Blend Components

The secret to that perfect spicy crunch is in the seasoning mix. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired heat level)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Marinade Instructions

Make a simple but effective buttermilk marinade to tenderize and flavor your chicken tenders. Follow these easy steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with 2 tablespoons of the spice blend.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure they’re fully covered.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight for even better results.

The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will get. You can adjust the spice by adding or reducing cayenne pepper to your liking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Get ready to serve up some delightfully crispy chicken tenders in no time! Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful quick chicken recipes every time.

1. Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 375°F. Maintain this temperature throughout the cooking process.
2. Prepare your breading station by placing the seasoned flour mixture in one shallow dish and the buttermilk mixture in another.
3. Working in batches, dredge the marinated chicken tenders first in the flour mixture, then dip them in the buttermilk, and finally coat them again with the flour mixture for a double-dredge technique.
4. Carefully lower the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer the cooked crispy chicken tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders, adjusting the oil temperature as needed to maintain the ideal frying temperature.
7. Allow the fried tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving hot, garnished with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-worthy crispy chicken tenders that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious quick chicken recipes with confidence!

Crispy Coating Techniques

Getting the perfect crispy coating on your spicy fried chicken tenders is all about technique and temperature. Let’s explore the expert methods to get that irresistible crunch every time.

Double Dredging Method

The double dredging technique is a secret to extra crispy crispy chicken tenders. Here’s how it works:

1. First, coat the chicken tenders in a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating.
2. Next, dip the floured tenders in a buttermilk or egg wash, allowing the liquid to adhere to the surface.
3. Finally, dredge the tenders in the flour mixture again, creating a delightfully crunchy double breading.

Temperature Control Tips

Temperature is crucial when frying crispy chicken tenders. Keep the oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F for a perfect golden-brown crust. Here are some tips:

• Use a high-quality cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or avocado oil.
• Monitor the oil temperature closely and adjust the heat as needed to keep it within the optimal range.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop dramatically.
• Allow the oil to return to the ideal temperature between batches for consistent results.

Mastering these crispy coating techniques will help you serve up irresistibly crunchy and flavorful spicy fried chicken tenders every time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These quick and healthy chicken tender recipes are super versatile. You can serve them as the main dish with many tasty sides. Try pairing them with fresh salads, steamed veggies, or fluffy rice or quinoa for a full meal.

For a fun twist, wrap the quick chicken recipes in tortillas or pita bread. Or toss them in a big salad for a great lunch.

There are many great side dishes to choose from. Try crisp broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach for a healthy option. Starchy sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread also go well with the spicy chicken tenders.

For a fun family meal, serve the chicken tenders with different dips and snacks. Creamy ranch, tangy barbecue, or spicy hot sauce are all tasty choices. Serve them with veggie sticks, pita chips, or potato wedges for a hit with everyone.

No matter how you serve these quick chicken recipes, they’re always a winner. Get creative with your sides and enjoy this easy, impressive main dish.

Dipping Sauce Recommendations

Take your spicy chicken tenders to the next level with a variety of dipping sauces. From classic favorites to bold new flavors, there’s something for everyone.

Classic Sauce Options

Choose a creamy ranch dressing, tangy honey mustard, or sweet barbecue sauce for a classic taste. These options pair well with the bold chicken tenders. They offer a perfect mix of spice and richness.

Spicy Sauce Variations

Looking for something spicier? Try a vibrant buffalo sauce or a zesty sriracha dip. These sauces bring a fiery kick that will excite your taste buds. You can even make your own to adjust the heat to your liking.