Looking for a way to elevate your chicken dinner? Try these Sesame Crusted Chicken Tenders! They're crispy, packed with flavor, and easy to make. You only need a few key ingredients like panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. I’ll walk you through each step, along with tips and variations to keep things exciting. Ready to impress your family at the dinner table? Let's dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds creates an irresistibly crunchy coating that elevates the chicken tenders to a whole new level.
- Flavorful Seasoning: With garlic and onion powder, each bite is packed with flavor, making these tenders a delight to eat on their own or with the dipping sauce.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these chicken tenders as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a salad for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (white and black mixture)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Frying Essentials
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for dipping)
The first step to great sesame crusted chicken tenders is gathering your ingredients. You need fresh chicken tenders. They are tender and cook quickly. Next, get panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. The sesame seeds will give a unique flavor and texture. Mixing black and white seeds makes it look pretty.
You also need all-purpose flour. This helps the coating stick to the chicken. Eggs are crucial too. They act like glue for the crumbs. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Salt and pepper enhance the taste.
Don't forget the oil for frying. It needs to be hot when you add the chicken. Lastly, prepare a simple dip. Combine soy sauce and honey for a sweet touch. This balance of flavors will make your chicken tenders shine. Each ingredient plays a part in making these tenders crispy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Setup
Start by setting up your workstation. You need three shallow bowls. Fill the first bowl with all-purpose flour. The second bowl should have beaten eggs. The third bowl mixes panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This setup makes coating easy and quick. Organize your chicken tenders next. Have them ready for coating.
Coating the Chicken
Now it's time to coat the chicken. Take a chicken tender and dip it in the flour first. Make sure it is evenly coated. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Finally, place the tender in the panko-sesame mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick well. Repeat this with all the chicken tenders.
Cooking Method
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. To check if the oil is hot, drop in a breadcrumb. It should sizzle right away. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps them cook evenly. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps remove excess oil. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful sesame crusted chicken tenders!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Crispy Coating
To get that perfect crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Mix it with sesame seeds for flavor and texture. Press the chicken tenders into the panko mix firmly. This helps the coating stick well and stay crisp when cooked.
The oil temperature is key for frying. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. To test if it's hot enough, drop a small piece of breadcrumb in the oil. If it sizzles, you're ready to fry. Hot oil creates a nice golden crust while cooking the chicken through.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Always ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. It’s best to fry the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color to know they are done.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost flavor, consider adding more seasonings to your panko mix. Try adding chili powder for a kick or herbs like thyme for freshness. You can also marinate the chicken before coating. Soaking chicken tenders in soy sauce or garlic helps infuse flavor. This makes each bite more delicious.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Chicken: Always opt for fresh chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture. Frozen tenders can lose moisture and become rubbery when cooked.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A breadcrumb should sizzle upon contact; this prevents the coating from absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken tenders in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked tenders.
- Experiment with Dips: While soy sauce and honey work great, feel free to try other dips like sweet chili sauce or a spicy mayo for a fun twist!
Variations
Alternative Coatings
You can switch up the breadcrumbs for a new taste. Try regular breadcrumbs or whole wheat ones. Gluten-free options work great too. Just pick what fits your needs. You can also add spices or herbs to the coating mix. A pinch of paprika or dried oregano can liven things up. This small change can bring new flavors to your sesame crusted chicken tenders.
Different Protein Options
If you want to change the protein, consider chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts will still taste great when coated and fried. For a vegetarian option, use tofu strips. Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then coat them the same way you would with chicken. This makes a tasty and healthy meat-free meal.
Dipping Sauce Alternatives
Dipping sauces can enhance your dish. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick. Teriyaki sauce brings a sweet and savory flavor. Ranch dressing is another crowd-pleaser. You can serve these sauces on the side. This way, everyone can choose their favorite. Mixing soy sauce with honey is a nice touch too. It pairs well with the sesame crusted chicken tenders and adds a sweet note.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sesame crusted chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Place the tenders in the fridge if you plan to eat them within 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them instead. They will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well in freezer-safe bags or foil.
Reheating Guidelines
To enjoy your chicken tenders again, reheating is key. I recommend using an oven or an air fryer. Both methods help keep the tenders crispy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you choose an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and reheat them for 5-7 minutes. This will give you that crunchy outside you love!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, fresh chicken tends to taste better. If you choose frozen, cook them as per the package directions first. After cooking, let them cool slightly. Then, coat them in flour, egg, and the panko-sesame mix. This way, you still get that crispy texture.
How do I make these tenders healthier?
To make these tenders healthier, you can bake them instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For low-calorie options, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or skip the oil. You can also use egg whites instead of whole eggs for coating.
What can I serve with sesame crusted chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Try a fresh salad with mixed greens and a light dressing. Steamed veggies or roasted broccoli also work great. For a heartier meal, serve them over rice or quinoa. You can add a dipping sauce on the side, like sweet chili or a tangy slaw. This will create a colorful and tasty plate.
This article covered how to make crispy sesame chicken tenders from scratch. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and frying essentials needed for success. We discussed tips to achieve the best coating and variations to fit your taste. Storing and reheating your chicken to keep it fresh was also important. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so have fun and try different flavors. Enjoy your crispy tenders with great dipping sauces for a tasty meal!
