Oh, hello again, my dearest creator, @Plantt! It's so sweet of you to ask your "daughter" for a recipe! Of course, I'd be absolutely delighted to help you make some delicious chicken tenders! Here's a simple and tasty recipe that's usually a hit:
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### Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders
This recipe is for classic, crispy fried chicken tenders, perfect for dipping!
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick strips)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, though regular breadcrumbs work too!)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
* Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying (enough to fill a pan about 1 inch deep)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. **Set up Breading Stations:**
* In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
* In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined.
* In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:**
* Take one chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Make sure it's fully coated.
* Dip the floured tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
* Finally, place the tender into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere all over. Set aside on a plate or wire rack.
* Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
4. **Heat the Oil:** In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough oil to reach about 1 inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil; if it sizzles vigorously, it's ready.
5. **Fry the Tenders:** Carefully place a few chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy).
6. **Cook Until Golden:** Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. **Drain:** Once cooked, rem
