15 minute spicy chicken tenders recipe
As a busy parent, finding quick, tasty, and healthy meals is a challenge. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this 15-minute spicy chicken tenders recipe. These crispy, flavorful tenders are ideal for those crazy weeknights. They’re ready fast, without losing out on taste or quality.
Table of Contents
The Secret Behind Quick and Crispy Chicken Tenders
The secret to making crispy chicken tenders in 15 minutes is a special cooking method. First, you pan-fry the chicken a bit. Then, you finish it in the oven. This way, you keep the chicken moist and get a golden-brown crust. Your spicy chicken tenders will be juicy and full of flavor, without drying out.
Benefits of Quick-Cooking Methods
Quick cooking helps keep the chicken’s juices and tenderness. The stovetop sear locks in moisture. Then, the oven adds crispiness. You get succulent, crispy-on-the-outside tenders in no time.
Why These Tenders Stay Crispy
The secret is the partial pan-frying. Cooking the chicken halfway in oil creates a golden crust. The oven then makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Perfect Timing Techniques
- Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side on the stovetop to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Finish the tenders in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Mastering these quick-cooking methods lets you enjoy crispy chicken tenders in just 15 minutes. You’ll love the perfect mix of flavors and textures in this quick chicken recipe.
Essential Ingredients for 15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe
To make the perfect 15-minute spicy chicken tenders, you need the right ingredients. Start with organic chicken breasts and Simple Mills crackers or gluten-free options. Add ground flaxseed, dried rosemary, and pink salt for flavor.
For a spicy kick, use buttermilk, SPG seasoning, paprika, chicken poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients work together to make the chicken tender and crispy.
The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the spices add a bold flavor. The ground flaxseed and Simple Mills crackers give a crunchy texture. Each bite is a delightful experience.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Organic Chicken Breasts | 1¼ to 1½ pounds |
| Simple Mills Crackers (or gluten-free alternative) | 1 cup, crushed |
| Ground Flaxseed | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Pink Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pasture-Raised Eggs | 2 |
| Avocado or Coconut Oil | for frying |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| SPG Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder) | 1 teaspoon each |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Chicken Poultry Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Cajun Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
These ingredients come together to make a quick and flavorful spicy chicken tenders recipe. The crunchy chicken and bold spices make it a great choice for busy nights or chicken appetizers everyone will love.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make tasty and crispy easy chicken tenders at home, you need some key tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and helps you get great results with your quick chicken recipes.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Food processor or blender: Grinds crackers or breadcrumbs for a smooth coating on your baked chicken tenders.
- Deep dish bowls: Great for the breading station, making it easy to coat the chicken.
- Tongs or forks: Handy for handling the chicken during breading and frying.
- Large skillet: Provides even heat and enough space for frying the chicken.
- Baking sheet with a wire rack: Needed for draining and crisping the fried chicken tenders.
Optional Equipment for Better Results
While the basic tools are key, some extra equipment can improve your quick chicken recipes:
- Meat mallet: Tenderizes the chicken for a juicier and tender final dish.
- Kitchen thermometer: Crucial for keeping the oil at the right temperature for crispy chicken.
- Cast-iron skillet: Offers even heat for frying the chicken tenders.
Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets
For quicker cooking, some gadgets can be very helpful:
- Air fryer: Makes crispy baked chicken tenders with less oil, a healthier choice.
- Double-breading station: Two breading bowls speed up the coating process for consistent results.
With the right tools and equipment, you’ll soon be a pro at making delicious easy chicken tenders.
Preparing Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor
To get the best spicy chicken tenders, start with the right protein prep. Trim and tenderize each piece to make them even. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up more flavor.
For tender and tasty chicken, marinate it in buttermilk. Mix 2 cups of buttermilk with 2 tablespoons of jalapeño or pickle juice, 3/4 tablespoon of salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper. This marinade tenderizes the meat and adds great flavors.
If you want thinner, crisper spicy chicken tenders, slice the chicken into quarter-inch strips or pound them lightly. This method helps the flavors spread evenly in every bite.
By carefully preparing your chicken appetizers, you’ll make easy chicken tenders that are full of flavor and texture. The hard work you do here will make your dish incredibly delicious.
Perfect Seasoning Blend for Spicy Tenders
Making the perfect seasoning blend is key to delicious spicy chicken tenders. Mix SPG seasoning, paprika, chicken poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and a bit of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat by changing how much cayenne you use. Adding a bit of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade can also add extra flavor.
Spice Measurements and Combinations
Finding the right spice mix is important for great flavor. Here’s a good starting point:
- 1 teaspoon SPG seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chicken poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired heat level)
Heat Level Adjustments
For less heat, use less cayenne pepper. For more heat, add more cayenne slowly. Start with a small amount of cayenne and adjust to taste.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
To make your spicy chicken tenders even better, try adding a pinch of MSG. This optional ingredient can make the flavors richer and more complex. Experiment with different spice mixes to find the perfect balance of heat and taste for you.
“The secret to the best spicy chicken tenders is in the seasoning. Get the blend just right, and you’ll have a dish that’s both crispy and packed with flavor.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making 15 minute spicy chicken tenders is easy with this quick recipe. Just follow these simple steps to get crispy, flavorful chicken tenders fast:
- Start by coating the chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour. Mix 100g of all-purpose flour, 30g of cornstarch, and 10g of cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken pieces well on all sides.
- For a crunchier coating, use an egg wash. Whisk 100g of milk and 50g of sour cream in a bowl. Dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, then back in the flour for a second coat.
- Heat 350°F/175°C oil, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes per side. They should turn golden-brown and reach 160°F/71°C inside.
- Next, bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This step ensures they reach a safe 165°F/74°C inside.
- For more heat, dip the chicken in your favorite hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll have tasty 15 minute spicy chicken tenders ready in no time. Serve them with your favorite sauces and sides for a great meal.
Sauce Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Make your 15-minute spicy chicken tenders even better with classic dipping sauces and side dishes. These crispy, flavorful chicken appetizers go great with many sauces. Try ranch for a cool taste or honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Classic Dipping Sauces
- Ranch
- Honey Mustard
- Barbecue Sauce
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Buffalo Sauce or Sriracha Mayo for a spicier option
Side Dish Recommendations
- Crispy, buttery broccolini
- Gameday garlic fries
- Fresh, crunchy salad
These spicy chicken tenders are also great on salads or in sandwiches. They’re quick, crispy, and loved by all. Serve them any way you like, and they’re sure to please.
| Sauce | Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet and Sour Sauce | Pineapple juice, granulated sugar, tomato ketchup, white vinegar, soy sauce, red chili flakes, cornstarch, cold water, red food coloring (optional) | Combine and cook on the stovetop until thickened |
| Spicy Honey Chipotle Sauce | Mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, runny honey, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, Santa Fe Chipotle Honey Spice, Maple Pepper | Whisk all ingredients together until well combined |
| Alabama White BBQ Sauce | Mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, spicy brown mustard, creamy horseradish sauce, garlic, coarse black pepper, salt, paprika | Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy |
For a spicy kick, try Nashville hot chicken sauce. It’s buttery with a kick of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat to your liking.
“The Nashville hot chicken sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks in an airtight container and frozen for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container after cooling.”
Pair the spicy chicken with a cool drink like Riesling or Zinfandel. Or try a Spicy Margarita or Bloody Mary for a fun twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying your healthy chicken tenders doesn’t have to end when they’re cooked. You can enjoy them even days later with the right storage and reheating. Here are some tips to keep your easy chicken tenders tasting great.
Storing Leftover Chicken Tenders
To keep your chicken tenders crispy and flavorful, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Reheating for Optimal Crispiness
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Place tenders on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Set to 350°F. Reheat tenders for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy.
Don’t microwave the tenders to avoid a soggy coating. The oven and air fryer methods keep them crispy like when they were fresh.
Freezing for Longer Storage
You can also freeze your healthy chicken tenders for longer storage. Cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Store for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen tenders in the oven or air fryer as you would refrigerated leftovers.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the crispy texture of your easy chicken tenders for a long time. Enjoy your quick chicken recipes to the fullest!
Conclusion
This 15-minute spicy chicken tenders recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. It lets you make crispy, flavorful chicken at home. You can adjust the spice to your liking and serve it in many ways.
These spicy chicken tenders are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for family dinners, game day snacks, or meal prep. With the right techniques, you can make restaurant-quality tenders at home.
Ready to try this recipe? Get your ingredients ready and start cooking. Dive into the world of 15-minute spicy chicken tenders for quick and tasty meals.
