Fried Cajun Chicken Tenders

a cajun chicken tender dipped in honey mustard

Fried Cajun Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders with a kick! Breaded just right and full of flavor that's better than anything from a box.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Servings people

Calories 582kcal

Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in to 1" thick strips
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour gluten free flour blend works too
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning *see notes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional
1 tablespoon water
3 cups refined coconut oil for frying (you may also use another high heat oil of your choice)

Instructions

In a large, shallow bowl or dish with sides, add the flour, cajun seasoning, onion and garlic powders. Stir to mix. Taste it to see if you want more spice. Add more if you do, but don't taste it once you've dipped any raw chicken in it. Set aside.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs, hot sauce and water. Set aside.
Dip one chicken tender at a time into the flour then the eggs, and then back into the flour, pressing to coat the chicken well. Repeat with the remaining tenders and set them aside while you heat the oil. Allow the chicken to rest 3 or 4 minutes before frying so the breading can "set".
If using a 12 inch skillet, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches and heat on high to 375 (you can use a thermometer to check if you aren't sure). Slowly add three to four pieces of chicken, reduce heat to medium high, and allow them to fry until just brown on one side--about 5 minutes--then turn and cook until golden on the second side--6 to 7 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and repeat with the other tenders.
**Make sure to stay by the stove! If your oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down or pull the skillet off the burner carefully for a minute or two. If your chicken is cooking too slow and the breading is soggy or falling off, turn the heat up.

Notes

Check the ingredients in your cajun seasoning. If it doesn't contain salt and pepper, add 1/2 teaspoon of each to your flour with the garlic and onion powders.

Nutrition