This pickle-brined baked chicken tenders recipe is a delicious and tangy twist on a classic favorite. Marinating chicken tenders in dill pickle juice imparts a unique flavor that is enhanced when the tenders are coated in a crispy breadcrumb and panko mixture. The tenders are then baked until golden brown for a healthier alternative to frying.
Most ingredients for this recipe should already be in your kitchen. However, dill pickle juice might not be readily available if you don't consume pickles regularly. It can be found in the condiments aisle at your local supermarket. Another ingredient that might not be commonly found at home is seasoned panko. This Japanese-style breadcrumb is used for its light, airy, and crispy texture. You can find it in the international food aisle.
Ingredients for Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders: These are strips of meat found on either side of the breastbone. They are lean, tender, and cook quickly.
Dill pickle juice: This is the liquid that pickles are brined in. It’s tangy, salty, and can be used as a meat tenderizer.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Egg and egg white: They serve as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs and panko to adhere to the chicken.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: These are breadcrumbs that have been seasoned with various herbs and spices. They add texture and extra flavor to the chicken.
Seasoned panko: Panko is a type of breadcrumb that creates a lighter, crunchier coating. The seasoned variety has additional flavors.
Cooking spray: Used to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the baking sheet and helps to get them crispy.
One reader, Keefer Woodworth says:
These pickle-brined baked chicken tenders are a game-changer! The brine infuses the chicken with a unique tangy flavor, and the crispy coating is perfection. The recipe is easy to follow, and the result is juicy, flavorful tenders that my whole family loves. A definite winner!
Techniques Required for Making Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
How to marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow bowl and cover it with the pickle juice, ensuring it is completely submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
How to prepare the egg wash: In a medium bowl, combine the egg, egg white, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
How to coat the chicken: Dip the marinated chicken in the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb and panko mixture, shaking off any excess.
How to bake the chicken tenders: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a large baking sheet generously with oil. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the lower third of the oven until golden, turning once during the cooking process.
How to air fry the chicken tenders: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the chicken tenders on both sides with oil and cook them in batches in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
How To Make Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
Marinated in pickle juice, these baked chicken tenders are packed with deep flavors. They’re breaded then cooked until golden in the oven or air fryer.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼lbschicken tenders,or skinless breasts cut into strips, (12 pieces)
- 1¼cupdill pickle juice,enough to cover the chicken
- ½tspkosher salt and black pepper,to taste
- 1large egg,beaten
- 1large egg white
- ½cupseasoned breadcrumbs
- ½cupseasoned panko
- cooking spray
Instructions
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Place chicken in a shallow bowl and cover with the pickle juice (enough to cover completely). Marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
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After 8 hours, drain and dry the chicken completely on paper towels; discard marinade.
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with generously with oil.
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Combine egg, egg white, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and panko.
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Dip chicken in the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off excess.
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Place the chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and spray the top generously. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the lower third of the oven until the bottom is golden. Turn and bake for 6 minutes, until golden.
Air Fryer:
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the chicken on both sides with oil.
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Cook in batches in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 506.35kcal
- Fat: 27.13g
- Saturated Fat: 5.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.02g
- Carbohydrates: 38.45g
- Fiber: 2.98g
- Sugar: 2.23g
- Protein: 26.15g
- Cholesterol: 104.62mg
- Sodium: 1174.07mg
- Calcium: 102.76mg
- Potassium: 421.99mg
- Iron: 2.69mg
- Vitamin A: 23.00µg
- Vitamin C: 2.25mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
To ensure your chicken tenders are juicy and flavorful, it's crucial to marinate them in the pickle juice for the full 8 hours. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy breadcrumb coating. Additionally, when baking the chicken tenders, make sure to place them in the lower third of the oven. This helps them to cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown color without burning. Lastly, don't forget to shake off the excess breadcrumb mixture before baking to prevent it from burning and to ensure a perfectly crispy crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Marinate efficiently: To save time, place the chicken tenders and pickle juice in a resealable plastic bag for marinating. This allows for even distribution of the marinade and easy cleanup.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the pickle-brined chicken tenders and freezing the extras. This way, you'll have a quick and delicious meal ready to go for another day.
Prep ahead: Prepare the breadcrumb mixture and store it in an airtight container. This way, when you're ready to cook, the breading process will be even quicker.
Air fryer shortcut: If you're short on time, consider using the air fryer instead of the oven for faster cooking without compromising on flavor and texture.
Substitute Ingredients For Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and flavor to chicken tenders, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
dill pickle juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar: The apple cider vinegar mixed with salt and sugar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to dill pickle juice.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in equal amounts, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) or mashed avocado: Flaxseed egg or mashed avocado can act as a binding agent similar to eggs in this recipe.
large egg white - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine) or commercial egg replacer: Aquafaba or commercial egg replacer can be used as a substitute for egg whites to provide binding and moisture to the chicken tenders.
seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried herbs and a pinch of salt: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried herbs and salt can provide a similar texture and flavor to seasoned breadcrumbs.
seasoned panko - Substitute with regular panko breadcrumbs mixed with additional dried herbs and a pinch of salt: Regular panko breadcrumbs mixed with additional dried herbs and salt can replicate the seasoned panko in this recipe.
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil spray: Olive oil or avocado oil spray can be used as a substitute for cooking spray to prevent sticking and add a light layer of oil to the chicken tenders.
Presenting Your Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
Elevate the chicken tenders: Carefully arrange the pickle-brined baked chicken tenders on a pristine white plate, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and elegance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and dill over the chicken tenders to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors.
Accompany with a gourmet dipping sauce: Serve the pickle-brined baked chicken tenders with a side of house-made honey mustard or a tangy aioli, elegantly drizzled on the plate for a touch of sophistication.
Incorporate a vibrant salad: Pair the chicken tenders with a vibrant arugula and watermelon salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette, to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
Add a touch of luxury with truffle oil: A subtle drizzle of truffle oil over the chicken tenders will impart a hint of earthy richness, elevating the dish to a new level of indulgence.
Present on a wooden serving board: For a rustic yet refined presentation, arrange the pickle-brined baked chicken tenders on a polished wooden serving board, adding a touch of warmth and charm to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Baked Chicken Tenders
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making breadcrumbs and marinades for the chicken tenders recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the egg wash and the breadcrumb mixture for coating the chicken tenders.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the coated chicken tenders for baking in the oven. It's important to spray it generously with oil to prevent sticking.
- Air fryer: An air fryer is an appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy layer similar to frying but with less oil. It's an alternative method for cooking the chicken tenders.
Storing and Freezing Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
- Let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the chicken tenders, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For best results, avoid microwaving the chicken tenders, as this may cause them to become soggy and lose their crispy texture. If you must use a microwave, place the tenders on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- To maintain the best quality and texture, consume the reheated chicken tenders immediately after reheating. Avoid refreezing previously frozen and reheated tenders, as this may compromise their texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
To reheat leftover pickle-brined baked chicken tenders in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tenders are heated through and the coating is crispy. For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before reheating.
Reheating the chicken tenders in an air fryer is another excellent option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If needed, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to help restore their crispiness.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the pickle-brined chicken tenders in the microwave. Place the tenders on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer coating compared to oven or air fryer reheating.
For a quick and easy way to reheat the tenders on the stovetop, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tenders to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this may cause the tenders to steam rather than crisp up.
Interesting Fact About Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
The pickle-brined baked chicken tenders recipe is a unique way to infuse flavor into the chicken tenders. Pickle juice contains vinegar and spices, which can add a tangy and savory taste to the chicken. This recipe showcases an innovative use of pickle juice, which is typically a byproduct. It's a great way to reduce food waste and create delicious, flavorful chicken tenders.
Is Making Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pickle-brined baked chicken tenders recipe is quite high. The main ingredient, chicken tenders, is relatively affordable, and the use of pickle juice as a marinade adds flavor without requiring additional spices. The remaining ingredients are commonly found in most households, making this recipe budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the availability of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Are Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pickle-brined baked chicken tenders recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. By baking the chicken instead of frying, the recipe reduces the amount of oil and fat consumed. The use of pickle juice as a marinade is an interesting twist that adds flavor without adding excessive calories or sodium.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for seasoned breadcrumbs and panko, which may contain added salt and preservatives. Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed whole grain cereals for a more nutritious coating.
- The recipe does not specify the type of cooking spray used. Opt for a non-stick cooking spray with no added oils or flavors to minimize extra calories.
- The recipe does not include any vegetables or side dishes. Pairing the chicken tenders with a side salad or roasted vegetables would add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
To further enhance the nutritional value of the recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use organic, free-range chicken tenders to ensure the highest quality meat and minimize exposure to antibiotics and hormones.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs, to add flavor without relying on salt.
- Serve the chicken tenders with a homemade dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices, instead of store-bought condiments that may be high in sugar and preservatives.
- Make a double batch of the chicken tenders and use the leftovers to top a salad for lunch the next day, adding an extra serving of vegetables to your diet.
Editor's Opinion on Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders
The pickle-brined baked chicken tenders recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The use of pickle juice adds a tangy and savory flavor to the tender chicken, creating a unique and delicious dish. The cooking method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful on the inside. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and innovation, making it a standout choice for a satisfying meal or appetizer.
Enhance Your Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe:
This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional chicken tenders by using a flavorful and unexpected ingredient: pickle juice. The brining process ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and panko creates a crispy, golden crust. The use of an air fryer option also provides a healthier cooking method. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your chicken tender game with a burst of tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch. Embrace the unexpected and savor the delicious results!
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