Crispy Chicken Tenders for Kids
Homemade Outback-Style Chicken Tenders (Perfect for Kids!)
We’ve made these Outback-style chicken tenders bite-sized because kids love the crispy crust and don’t mind smaller pieces! They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a fantastic snack or accompaniment to drinks.
Main Ingredients
- 450g chicken tenderloin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for frying)
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
- 1L frying oil
- 1 pinch salt
Chicken Tender Marinade
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Dipping Sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Dipping Sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently rinse the chicken tenderloins under running water 2-3 times. Drain them thoroughly in a colander and set aside to remove excess moisture.
Step 2
Carefully peel off any thin membranes or silverskin from the chicken tenderloins by hand.
Step 3
Using kitchen scissors or a knife, trim away any tough sinews or gristle from the chicken. This step ensures a much more tender bite.
Step 4
To make them easy for kids to eat, cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces using scissors. Aim for a moderate size; pieces that are too small might overcook quickly.
Step 5
Now, let’s marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 Tbsp vinegar (which helps to tenderize and remove any gamey smell).
Step 6
Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder for added flavor. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the marinade coats the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Prepare the first coating. Place 1 cup of all-purpose flour into a large resealable plastic bag. Using a bag minimizes cleanup!
Step 8
Add the marinated chicken tenderloins from the refrigerator into the bag with the flour.
Step 9
Seal the bag tightly and shake it vigorously to coat the chicken pieces evenly with flour. This ‘bag method’ makes coating fuss-free without needing extra bowls.
Step 10
While the chicken is getting its initial flour coating, prepare the egg wash. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 2 Tbsp milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 11
Dip the flour-coated chicken pieces into the egg wash, making sure each piece is fully coated. Gently toss to ensure the egg wash adheres well.
Step 12
Now, reuse the same plastic bag you used for the flour. Add 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs into the clean bag.
Step 13
Sprinkle 2 tsp of Italian herb seasoning over the panko breadcrumbs. Shake the bag again to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the breadcrumbs.
Step 14
Add the egg-washed chicken pieces into the bag with the seasoned panko.
Step 15
Seal the bag and shake it enthusiastically! This will coat the chicken generously and evenly with the panko mixture, creating a wonderfully crispy crust when fried.
Step 16
Coating the chicken in two layers like this is quick and easy. Isn’t it convenient? ^^
Step 17
Heat about 1L of frying oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Carefully add the prepared chicken tenders in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature) and fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 18
Remove the golden-brown, crispy chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Your crispy fried chicken is now ready! ^^
Step 19
For a touch of color and freshness, sprinkle 1/2 tsp of dried parsley over the finished chicken tenders.
Step 20
These tender chicken pieces are delicious when dipped into the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. It’s a combination kids absolutely adore!
Step 21
Enjoy the perfect ‘crispy outside, tender inside’ texture! The crunchy coating gives way to the succulent chicken tenderloin, offering a savory and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cold beer. They’re so addictive, like popcorn, you’ll find yourself reaching for more! Ken-tucky Fried perfection! Boom! ♥
