Chef Paddy’s Sweet Swingin’ Chicken Tenders

: Print Recipe

Big-league crunch meets sweet heat in this signature Baseball Bite. These Big League Crunch Chicken Tenders bring bold texture, flavor, and serious crowd-pleaser energy to your Game Day lineup.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 4 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal, crushed (leave some texture—don’t over-pulverize)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + splash of lemon juice)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• High-heat oil for frying (avocado, peanut, or canola)

Instructions

1. Set up your dredging station:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Whisked eggs and buttermilk
   • Bowl 3: Crushed Cap’n Crunch, panko, and seasonings
2. Coat the Tenders: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in the cereal-panko blend. Press coating on gently so it sticks.
3. Let Them Chill: Place coated tenders on a wire rack and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to set the crust.
4. Fry 'Em Up: In a cast iron skillet or deep pan, heat oil to 350°F. Fry tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
5. Oven Option: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with oil. Arrange tenders, lightly spray tops with oil, and bake 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
6. Drain and Serve: Let rest on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Serve hot with creamy honey mustard on the side.

Chef Paddy’s Tips

• Leave Some Crunch: Crush the cereal enough for coating but keep texture—don’t turn it into dust.
• Chill Before Frying: Refrigerating helps the breading stick and fry up crisp.
• Double Dip for Thicker Crust: For extra crunch, do a second dip into the egg wash and cereal coating.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer. 350°F keeps it crisp without burning.
• Bake If You Must: Still crispy, but nothing beats the golden fry. Choose your game day adventure.

Let’s cook with heart and hustle.