Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders

• porzioni: 8 servings
• tempo di preparazione: 25 minutes
• tempo totale: 40 minutes

Ingredienti

8 chicken tenderloins (about 1.25 pounds)

1 egg, beaten

2 tbsp milk

1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Istruzioni

Mix cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs and seasoning in a bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together egg and milk.

Add chicken to a freezer bag (or bowl) and toss with 1/3 cup flour until well coated. Remove chicken and tap off any excess flour. Dip chicken in egg/milk bowl and let excess drip off. Place chicken in a new freezer bag and pour cornmeal/panko/seasoning into the bag and toss until well coated, pressing breading into the chicken (through the bag), OR place chicken into a bowl and toss until well coated, pressing breading into the chicken with fingers.

PAN-FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS:

Heat enough vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet to cover the bottom of your pan over medium high heat. Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet to cover the bottom of your pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden, and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Cook in batches if necessary, medium-high

BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a baking rack in a baking pan.

Line chicken tenders on the baking rack without touching and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Bake chicken at 400 degrees F for 15-18 minutes (18 only if tenders are large) then broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy, without moving the oven rack.    A higher oven temperature crisps up the exterior quickly and keeps the meat juicy.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS:

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Working in batches, place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket without touching, don’t overcrowd.

Air fry for 5-6 minutes per side, turning halfway, until chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Please note air fryer models can vary so watch the first batch closely and adjust the time accordingly.

Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.