Description
Crispy panko sesame chicken tenders deliver an irresistible Asian-inspired crunch with golden breading and nutty sesame seeds. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, these tender morsels will satisfy your craving for a quick and delicious meal you can’t resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (64 g) sesame seeds
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ cup (112 g) mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Water, as needed
Aromatics:
- 1 garlic clove, very finely minced or grated
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned flour mixture in a spacious container by blending salt and pepper into the dry ingredient thoroughly.
- Create an egg wash by whisking egg with water until well combined.
- Craft the crispy coating by mixing panko breadcrumbs with both white and black sesame seeds, ensuring even distribution.
- Meticulously coat each chicken tender: first dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in egg wash, and finally roll in sesame-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, adding oil to create a shallow frying environment that reaches approximately 1/4 inch deep.
- Carefully place breaded tenders into hot oil, maintaining spacing between pieces to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
- Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown exterior that signals perfect crispiness.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F or by cutting into the thickest part to confirm no pink remains.
- Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet, keeping warm in a low-temperature oven if preparing multiple batches.
- Whisk together mayo, minced garlic, lime juice, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a dynamic dipping sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding water if planning to use as a salad dressing, ensuring a smooth, drizzleable texture.
- Serve hot tenders immediately with prepared sauce on the side for maximum flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Sesame seeds add a nutty, toasted flavor and extra crunch to the crispy chicken coating.
- Pat chicken tenders dry before dredging to ensure the flour adheres perfectly and creates a crisp exterior.
- Use a candy or instant-read thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
- Cook chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which leads to soggy tenders.
- Adjust sriracha sauce quantity in the dipping sauce to control heat level according to personal spice preference.
- Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg