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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup dill pickle juice - 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - Cooking oil (for frying) Dill pickle chicken tenders are a fun twist on a classic dish. The main ingredients give it a unique flavor that is hard to resist. The chicken tends to soak up the dill pickle juice well, making it juicy and tangy. The seasoning helps enhance the chicken's taste. I love using Parmesan cheese; it adds a nice salty touch. Garlic and onion powder bring out rich flavors, while paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For the coating, I use panko bread crumbs. They create a crunchy texture that makes each bite satisfying. The flour and eggs help the breading stick to the chicken. This is key for a crispy finish. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process easier and more fun. You can find the full recipe for detailed steps. Marinating is key for great flavor. The dill pickle juice adds a tasty tang that seeps into the chicken. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. If you can, leave it overnight. This extra time makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Mixing the dry ingredients well is important. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. To get that crispy coating, make sure to press the chicken firmly into the mixture. This helps it stick better and gives you a crunch when you bite in. You can fry or bake the chicken tenders. For frying: 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. 3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. 4. Remove them and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. For baking: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Place the coated tenders on a lined baking sheet. 3. Lightly spray with cooking oil for crispness. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Both methods give you delicious, crispy chicken tenders. For the full recipe, be sure to check it out. To get that crunchy texture, focus on a few key factors: - Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch. - Ensure the oil is hot before frying. - Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches. Common mistakes include: - Not drying the chicken after marinating. - Skipping the flour step before the egg wash. - Not pressing the breading into the chicken firmly. Dill pickle chicken tenders taste great with simple dips. - Ranch dressing pairs well. - Extra dill pickle juice adds a tangy kick. For sides, try: - Crispy fries for a classic combo. - Fresh coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs and spices: - A pinch of cayenne for heat. - Fresh dill for more dill flavor. Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite spices! Find what makes your taste buds dance. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. {{image_2}} Baking and frying give different results for dill pickle chicken tenders. - Baking: This method is healthier and easier. It uses less oil and keeps the kitchen cleaner. However, you might miss that crispy texture. - Frying: This gives a golden, crunchy outside. It can be messier and uses more oil. But the taste is often richer. If you want a healthier option, try air frying. It uses hot air to cook the chicken. This way, you get a crispy finish with less oil. Add spices to the breading for extra flavor. You can mix in: - Cayenne pepper for heat - Dried herbs like oregano or thyme - Lemon zest for a fresh twist Using flavored bread crumbs can change the taste. Look for garlic, Italian herbs, or even spicy varieties. This small change can make your tenders stand out. If you want to switch up the main ingredient, try these options: - Tofu: This is great for a meat-free meal. Just press it to remove excess water. Marinate it the same way as chicken. - Cauliflower: Cut into florets, dip, and coat just like chicken. For a dairy-free option, use nut-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether. You can still get a nice crunch with the right bread crumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty tenders. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your leftover dill pickle chicken tenders fresh, store them in a sealed container. This helps reduce air exposure. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Cooked chicken tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. For long-term storage, you can freeze your chicken tenders. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. To reheat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot. Check for signs of spoilage before eating your chicken tenders. Look for any off smell or slimy texture. If you see any discoloration or mold, it’s best to discard them. Always prioritize safety by throwing away spoiled food. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps in marinating and ensures even cooking. The flavors from the dill pickle juice will still soak in well. If you skip this step, the tenders might not taste as good. If you don't have dill pickle juice, you can use other options. Try vinegar mixed with water and a bit of sugar for a tangy kick. You can also use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. These alternatives will not give the same taste but will still add flavor. Making this recipe gluten-free is simple. Just switch the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs. Make sure to check the labels to avoid any hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty chicken tenders without worry. This post covered how to make delicious chicken tenders, from marinating to cooking. I shared tips to ensure crispiness and serving ideas for perfect meals. You can also explore variations and storage tips for leftovers, making these tenders a flexible dish. Remember, great taste comes from simple steps and quality ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders

Get ready to enjoy irresistibly delicious Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with a crispy panko coating for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a quick dinner or party snack, these tenders are bursting with flavor. In just one hour, you can prepare a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and try these tasty tenders today!

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup dill pickle juice

1 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in dill pickle juice for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor).

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the tenders instead of frying.

      In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

        In another shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a third dish, beat the eggs.

          Remove the chicken from the pickle juice, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

            For frying, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

              If baking, place the coated chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway for even crispness.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter and garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve with a side of ranch or additional dill pickle juice for dipping!