Craving a mouthwatering twist on classic chicken tenders that will make your taste buds dance? Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these irresistible Nacho Spiced Chicken Tenders that pack a flavor punch in every crispy, golden bite! Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or when you want to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. These tender, spicy, and crunchy chicken tenders will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp nacho seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better breading adherence.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs with nacho seasoning and a pinch of salt, creating a flavorful coating mixture.
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl until well combined and smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, bringing temperature to approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry each tender for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove tenders from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set.
- Serve hot with optional dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or sour cream.
Tips
- To ensure the most delicious Nacho Spiced Chicken Tenders, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry before breading to achieve maximum crispiness and help the coating stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even, crispy browning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of extra spice to your breadcrumb mixture, like cayenne or smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a healthier option, these tenders can be baked at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the coating set and keep the meat juicy.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect pairing - from classic ranch to zesty salsa or creamy sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
