Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders: A Tangy Twist on a Classic

Introduction

Looking for a unique and delicious twist on classic chicken tenders? These Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. Marinated in dill pickle juice and coated with a crispy breadcrumb layer, these tenders are bursting with flavor and crunch. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a game day snack, or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this tasty dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Tangy: The dill pickle marinade adds a delightful tanginess that sets these tenders apart.
Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping with the preparation and, of course, eating the delicious results.
Versatile: Perfect for dinners, snacks, or even as party appetizers.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need to make these mouthwatering Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of dill pickles)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Cooking spray or oil for baking

How Kids Can Help

Cooking with kids can be a fun and educational experience. Here’s how your little chefs can assist with this recipe:

Measuring Ingredients: Kids can help measure out the pickle juice, flour, and breadcrumbs.
Mixing: Let them whisk the eggs and mix the breadcrumb coating.
Dredging: Older kids can help dredge the chicken tenders through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures.
Arranging on the Baking Sheet: Kids can place the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Marinate: Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the dill pickle juice over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Coating

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on the baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dredge: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, dip in the egg wash, and coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Bake the Chicken

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them brown.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.

5. Serve

Enjoy: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of dill pickles if desired.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture.
Freezing: These tenders can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Substitutions and Additions

This recipe is highly adaptable and can be customized to suit your preferences:

Air Fryer Option: Cook the tenders in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed cornflakes or crushed potato chips to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra crispy coating.
Spicy Variation: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? A: Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenders on hand.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken? A: Marinate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate overnight.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with these tenders? A: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and even more dill pickle juice make great dipping options.

Reasons to Love Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders

Unique Flavor: The dill pickle marinade adds a unique and delicious tanginess.
Crunchy Texture: The breadcrumb coating provides the perfect crunch.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to everyone.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun flavor and crispy texture, making this a great meal for families.

Conclusion

Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken tenders. The tangy dill pickle marinade and crispy breadcrumb coating make these tenders a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and flavorful, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious combination of tangy and crispy in every bite!

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