Crispy Gochujang Chicken Tenders

The first time I bit into Gochujang Chicken Tenders, my taste buds did a happy dance. The crispy exterior gave way to succulent chicken, perfectly balanced with the sweet and spicy notes of gochujang. savory chicken divan dish It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth that shouted, “You need this in your life!”

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Fast forward to family gatherings where these tenders became the star of the show. Watching everyone fight for the last piece was both hilarious and heartwarming. These tenders are perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, your friends will be begging for the recipe.

A friend once exclaimed that these chicken tenders were “life-changing.” Honestly, it felt like I had just won a culinary Oscar.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount based on how many people you’re feeding.
• Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds the signature spice and depth of flavor that makes these tenders truly irresistible.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light coating helps achieve that golden crispy exterior; choose finely milled flour for the best results.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko instead of regular breadcrumbs to get an ultra-crispy texture that’s simply divine.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic is great too, but garlic powder offers a quick flavor boost without any chopping required.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the chicken a beautiful glaze when baked or fried.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning enhances the flavors; don’t skip this step!
• Vegetable Oil: For frying those tenders to perfection; canola oil works well too if you prefer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by slicing your boneless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. This will ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness when frying.

Create the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder.

Dunk and Coat: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture. Ensure it’s coated evenly before moving on to the egg wash for that extra stickiness needed for panko adherence.

Coat Generously with Panko: Roll each floured and egg-coated strip in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. This step is key for achieving that satisfying crunch we all crave!

Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously. Wait until it shimmers before adding your chicken tenders.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry each tender for about 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they release a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen!

Now you’ve got a batch of Gochujang Chicken Tenders that are sure to impress! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal experience. flavorful curried soup hearty chicken and wild rice soup.

Enjoy diving into this delicious dish that’s become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in gochujang for at least 30 minutes, then coat it in breadcrumbs before frying to achieve that crispy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken tenders for tofu or eggplant to create a delicious vegetarian option. Add sesame seeds or chopped scallions for that extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy again, about 10-15 minutes.

Sharing my first attempt at these Gochujang Chicken Tenders was a hilarious disaster; my friends loved them so much they asked for seconds, even amid my kitchen chaos! For more inspiration, check out this One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe.

FAQ

Can I bake Gochujang Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden.

What can I serve with Gochujang Chicken Tenders?

creamy tomato pasta recipe.

Pair them with rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Simply add less gochujang or mix it with some mayonnaise to tone down the heat.