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Homemade Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders photo

Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders are a flavor-packed delight! Perfectly crunchy and seasoned, they're sure to be a family favorite.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾-inch strips (about 16 strips total)
  • 0.75 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili paste (or hot sauce of choice)
  • 2 cups whole wheat panko bread crumbs (or regular panko if unavailable)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Chopped green onions (optional for serving)

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk), soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Sriracha. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Coating - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. For an extra crunch, you can mix in a pinch of salt or additional seasonings if desired.
  • Step 3: Coat the Chicken - Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow any excess marinade to drip off, then coat each piece of chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Step 4: Bake the Tenders - Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken strips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
  • Step 5: Serve and Enjoy - Once the tenders are out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost!

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For a vegan option, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
  • Marinate the chicken a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
  • Store baked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  • For longer storage, freeze the breaded chicken strips before baking.