4 Easy Ways to Cook Chicken Tenders

One of the quickest, easiest meats to cook is chicken tenders...the thin, tender strips attached to the underside of the chicken breast. They are often left intact and sold with the breast (they can easily be separated by hand), but are sometimes pulled apart and sold separately. Chicken tenders are comparable to the tenderloin in beef or pork. They are moist, delicious, and quick cooking...no need to tenderize or marinate.

Need some cooking inspiration? Here are some ideas to get you started...

1) Baked chicken tenders

Dip tenders in milk or beaten egg, then roll in seasoned bread crumbs.  Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes.  If you like, add Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs, and serve with marinara sauce and pasta.  Add a veggie or salad, and dinner is done!  For a gluten-free option, use nut meal/flour (I like to use cashew meal and add salt, garlic and onion powder, poultry seasoning, and basil).

2)  Stir-fried tenders and veggies

Using a kitchen scissors, cut tenders into 1-inch (or bite-sized) chunks.  Heat some oil in a skillet and stir-fry the meat for a few minutes.  Remove meat from skillet.  Add several cups of veggies of your choice, stir-frying until done to your liking.  Add the chicken back in to the skillet and add a bit of bottled or homemade teriyaki (or other flavor) sauce.  Cook and stir until heated through.  This is a meal by itself, but you could serve it with rice or noodles.

3)  Grilled tenders

Cook tenders on a heated grill for about 8-10 minutes.  Flip them over and cook another 5 minutes.  Brush on some BBQ (or other) sauce if desired and cook a couple more minutes.  Serve with potato salad and a veggie/dip platter.

4)  Mexican tenders

Because they're small and quick-cooking, tenders are perfect for tacos or fajitas.  Sprinkle with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.  Fry in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning once.  Wrap in a tortilla with your favorite toppings - salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce, black olives, and avocado or quacamole.  Or skip the tortilla and have a fajita salad!

There ya go...4 quick, easy, and healthy ways to prepare chicken tenders.  I'm sure there are many more possibilities...let me know your suggestions!