15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe: Quick & Flavorful

Introduction to the Recipe

Looking for a dish that’s both quick and packed with bold flavor? This 15 minute spicy chicken tenders recipe is your go-to solution! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal on your table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast Prep and Cook Time: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 15 minutes.
• Packed with Flavor: A blend of spices creates the perfect kick.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Ingredients: The Essentials

Key Spices for the Perfect Kick

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Substitutions and Add-Ons

• Swap cayenne pepper for chili flakes if you prefer less heat.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a citrusy twist.
• Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet-spicy contrast.

Preparing Your Chicken Tenders

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

In another bowl, beat the egg and mix in the hot sauce.

Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

First, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finish by coating it with breadcrumbs.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

The Best Dips to Pair With

• Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo complement the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes to Complete the Meal

• Serve with crispy fries, a light salad, or roasted vegetables.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking the Chicken

• Mistake: Cooking the tenders too long makes them dry and tough.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Stick to the recommended cooking times (3-4 minutes per side for pan-frying or 7-8 minutes in an air fryer).

Skipping the Marination

• Mistake: Forgoing marination results in bland chicken.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Even a quick 10-minute marination enhances flavor.
  • Massage the marinade into the chicken for even coating.

Crowding the Pan or Air Fryer

• Mistake: Overloading the cooking surface leads to uneven cooking and soggy tenders.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Cook in batches if necessary, leaving space between each tender.
  • For air frying, arrange tenders in a single layer.

Not Preheating the Pan or Air Fryer

• Mistake: Starting with a cold pan or air fryer results in less crispy tenders.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Always preheat your pan with oil or your air fryer to the recommended temperature.

Using Too Much or Too Little Oil

• Mistake: Excess oil makes the tenders greasy, while too little oil can lead to sticking.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Use just enough oil to lightly coat the pan or spray the air fryer basket.

Inconsistent Sizing of Chicken Strips

• Mistake: Unevenly sized chicken strips cook unevenly.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Slice chicken into uniform strips about 1-inch wide for even cooking.

Under-Seasoning the Chicken

• Mistake: Being too conservative with spices results in bland tenders.
• How to Avoid It:
  • Follow the recipe’s spice measurements or adjust to your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

15 Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe: Quick & Flavorful

• Non-stick skillet or air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs

• 1 lb 450g chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg and mix in the hot sauce.
3. Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

4. First, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finish by coating it with breadcrumbs.

5. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Add chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper.
• Serve with dips like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for a complete experience.
• For a healthier option, use the air fryer method.

Dinner, Lunch, Snack

American, Quick Recipes

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