Cauliflower Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipes

CRUNCHY QUINOA-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• Pour the quinoa onto a towel and blot to remove any excess moisture.
• Combine quinoa, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder and paprika in a shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs together in another shallow bowl. Dip the chicken into the egg, and then into the quinoa mixture, pressing evenly to coat.
• Add a thin coat of olive oil to large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook until quinoa is golden and chicken is cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Serve with lemon yogurt dipping sauce and roasted cauliflower on the side.
• Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, mustard, garlic powder and salt in a bowl and mix well.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Place cauliflower on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

BAKED PANKO-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine Greek yogurt, red peppers, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate dipping sauce until ready to use.
• In a small bowl combine 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
• Toast panko crumbs in a skillet over medium-high heat until a golden brown color, 4 to 5 minutes. Place panko into a shallow dish. Crack egg into a separate shallow dish. Dip chicken tenders first into egg, letting excess drip off, then coat with panko. Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, turning over halfway through, 12 to 15 minutes total. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Serve with the dipping sauce.

CAULIFLOWER CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Add the cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave according to package directions. Let cool.
• Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cauliflower, using a dish towel to wring out the moisture. Add to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
• Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour until, stirring every 20 minutes, until dried out and crispy. Let the cauliflower cool. Meanwhile, increase the oven temperature to 400°F.
• Transfer cooled crispy cauliflower to a shallow bowl and add parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
• Add eggs and buttermilk to another shallow bowl and beat to combine.
• Pat the chicken tenderloins with paper towels so that they are dry. Dip the chicken in the egg wash, then the cauliflower breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

PANKO-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Put the flour in one shallow pie plate or baking dish, the egg mixture in another, and the panko in another.
• One at a time, dredge the chicken tenders in flour to coat them lightly but evenly. Tap to release excess flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko, turning and rolling the tenders to coat evenly. This will not be messy if you use tongs, or use one hand for dipping into the dry ingredients and the other for dipping into the egg. Make sure the tenders are evenly coated. Shake off the excess crumbs. Place on a baking sheet, and chill uncovered for 15 minutes or up to a day.
• Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil. When it is rippling hot, add the breaded tenders. Turn the heat down to medium, and cook for four to five minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches, if necessary, so that you don't crowd the pan. Watch carefully; the panko should not blacken, but the chicken tenders should be dark brown on each side. Remove from the heat and serve.
• Advance preparation: The chicken can be breaded up to a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator.