Crispy Cajun Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Cajun Chicken Tenders are bursting with bold flavors and a delightful kick of spice. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and traditional Cajun spices, these chicken tenders are both savory and crispy. They are great for lunch, snacks, or as a fun appetizer for your gatherings. For those who crave heat, these tenders are sure to satisfy your spice cravings, while the option to adjust the cayenne pepper allows you to customize the level of heat to your liking. Serve them with a splash of Tabasco sauce for an extra zing that will take your taste buds on a journey through the Louisiana bayous!
5
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 1 inch strips, about 3 inches in length)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Onion powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch-wide strips, roughly 3 inches in length, to form your chicken fingers.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and black pepper. Stir until well blended to create a marinade.
3
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each strip is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse the spices.
4
After marination, take the chicken strips and coat them evenly in breadcrumbs, gently shaking off any excess breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken fingers on a plate.
5
In a skillet, heat the margarine over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the breaded chicken fingers to the skillet.
6
Cook the chicken fingers for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If needed, add more margarine to the skillet to prevent sticking and aid in browning.
7
Once cooked, transfer the chicken fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8
Serve the chicken tenders hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces, such as Tabasco sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
16g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cajun Chicken Tenders?
They are chicken breast strips seasoned with Cajun spices, marinated in olive oil, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy.
What cut of chicken is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should I cut the chicken?
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch-wide strips that are approximately 3 inches in length.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and black pepper.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
What is used to make the chicken tenders crispy?
The marinated chicken strips are coated evenly in breadcrumbs before frying.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil for the marinade.
What fat is used for frying the chicken?
Margarine is used in the skillet to fry the chicken fingers.
At what heat setting should I cook the tenders?
The chicken should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
How long do the chicken tenders take to cook?
Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in these chicken tenders?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 17 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the chicken?
Yes, you can adjust the cayenne pepper (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) to your preferred heat level.
What is a good dipping sauce for these tenders?
Tabasco sauce is recommended for an extra spicy zing, but you can use any of your favorite dipping sauces.
What should I do after the chicken is finished frying?
Transfer the cooked chicken fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required, including the spices and chicken.
What spices give this recipe its Cajun flavor?
A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and black pepper provides the Cajun profile.
Is there a specific way to coat the chicken in breadcrumbs?
Yes, coat them evenly and gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs before placing them on a plate.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as Lunch/Snacks and can also be served as an appetizer.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of onion powder.
What amount of dried thyme is included?
There is 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme in the spice blend.
Is there any white pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
What do I do if the chicken starts sticking to the pan?
Add more margarine to the skillet to prevent sticking and to help the chicken brown evenly.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Cajun, spicy, snacks, comfort food, and fried chicken.
Can I use these tenders as an appetizer?
Yes, they are described as a fun appetizer for gatherings.
Should the chicken be served hot or cold?
The chicken tenders should be served hot for the best flavor and texture.