Easy Chicken Tender Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients
Chicken tenders are a staple in many households, offering a quick, delicious, and versatile option for dinner. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward, chicken tenders can be your go-to solution. This article explores a variety of easy chicken tender recipes that require minimal ingredients, ensuring a delightful dinner is just moments away.
Introduction to Easy Chicken Tender Recipes
The appeal of chicken tenders for dinner lies in their simplicity and the universal love for them across all age groups. They can be prepared in countless ways, ensuring that dinner never gets boring. The focus here is on recipes that keep the ingredient list short and the flavor profile high, catering to those evenings when time and pantry supplies might be limited.
Easy Chicken Tender Recipes Overview
From the comfort of your air fryer to the simplicity of a grill, there are endless ways to transform chicken tenders into a meal that will please everyone. Here are some standout recipes that promise ease and flavor:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried option. They require just a few ingredients: chicken tenders, flour, eggs, panko and Italian style bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil spray. Serve with lemon wedges for a tangy finish. For more on cooking chicken safely,
- Lemon Yogurt Marinated Chicken: This recipe brings a zesty twist to your dinner table, marinating the chicken in lemon yogurt for a tender and flavorful result.
- Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Tenders: A sweet and tangy glaze makes these grilled tenders irresistible, perfect for a quick summer dinner.
- Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders: Infused with herbs and spices, these tenders are finished in a simple lemon butter sauce, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders: Coated with the popular seasoning, these tenders are best enjoyed with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce.
Understanding the nutritional benefits of chicken can help you appreciate these recipes even more. For detailed nutritional information, the National Chicken Council provides a wealth of resources.
Detailed Recipes
Let’s dive into the specifics of making two of these delicious recipes:
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders, ½ cup flour, 2 eggs, ½ cup panko bread crumbs, ½ cup Italian style bread crumbs, ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, Olive oil spray, Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Prepare three shallow plates: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mix of panko, breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each tender in flour, dip in egg, and then breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- Cook in batches for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients: Chicken tenders, honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken tenders in a mixture of honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Achieving the perfect meal involves more than just following a recipe. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time:
- Marinating: To infuse your chicken with extra flavor, consider marinating it for a few hours or even overnight. This not only enhances taste but can also help tenderize the meat.
- Crispiness: For that desirable crispy exterior, make sure your cooking appliance is preheated properly and avoid overcrowding the chicken pieces.
FAQs
- What are the best sides to serve with chicken tenders?
- Consider pairing with simple sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to keep your meal balanced and light.
- Can these recipes be made ahead of time?
- Yes, many – chicken recipes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Tips for keeping chicken tenders juicy?
- Avoid overcooking, and consider brining your tenders before cooking to lock in moisture.
Nutritional Information
Chicken tenders are not only delicious but also offer a good source of lean protein. When prepared using methods like air frying or grilling, they can be a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
For those interested in mastering chicken cooking techniques, Serious Eats offers a comprehensive guide that can elevate your culinary skills.
By incorporating these easy chicken tender recipes into your dinner rotation, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that won’t take up your entire evening. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these recipes are sure to become favorites.