Otbivnaya (Otbivni) Chicken Tenders Recipe

Discover the ultimate Otbivnaya (Otbivni) Chicken Tenders recipe, a crispy and tender dish that’s perfect for any meal or gathering. These boneless, skinless chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful Italian breadcrumb breading and fried to perfection, offering a golden, crunchy exterior with a juicy and tender inside. The chicken is lightly seasoned and prepared using a simple egg wash for that extra crispy finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this easy-to-follow recipe will make your chicken tenders stand out. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for a complete meal. Perfect for both kids and adults, this chicken tender recipe is a family favorite that guarantees delicious results every time.

Ingredients for Chicken Tenders:

• 2 – 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Canola oil, for sautéing

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 large whole eggs
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the Breading:

• 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Lay a large cutting board with cellophane, and arrange half of the chicken tenders on it, spacing them evenly. Cover with another layer of cellophane.
   • Use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of about 1/4″ to 1/3″. Be careful not to tear the chicken. Once done, remove the top layer of cellophane.
   • Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken tenders.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise.
   • Add the flour, milk, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and salt. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Breading:
   • In another medium-sized bowl, mix together the Italian bread crumbs and flour.
4. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
   • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add enough canola oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
   • Dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, dip the chicken in the breading mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
   • Once the oil is hot (the chicken should sizzle when added), carefully place about 4 chicken tenders at a time into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Sauté for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the tenders from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Tips

• Chicken Thickness: For the best results, be sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness, ensuring it cooks evenly.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid soggy tenders. If the chicken doesn’t sizzle when it hits the pan, the oil isn’t hot enough.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the breading and egg wash ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator to save time.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Option: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the egg wash or the breading mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Breading: Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley to the breading for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

• Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying? Yes! To bake the chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• How do I store leftovers? Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for added flavor.
• For a family-style meal, add some crispy fries and coleslaw on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Otbivnaya Chicken Tenders offer a crispy, golden crust with a tender, juicy interior that everyone will love. The seasoned breading adds great flavor without being overpowering, while the easy-to-make egg wash helps create the perfect coating. Whether you serve them for dinner or as a party appetizer, these chicken tenders will be a hit every time!

Otbivnaya (Otbivni) Chicken Tenders Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Ingredients

• for Chicken Tenders:

• 2 – 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Canola oil, for sautéing

• For the Egg Wash:

• 2 large whole eggs

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp milk

• 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning

• 1/8 tsp salt

• For the Breading:

• 2 cups Italian bread crumbs

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Lay a large cutting board with cellophane, and arrange half of the chicken tenders on it, spacing them evenly. Cover with another layer of cellophane.
• Use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of about 1/4″ to 1/3″. Be careful not to tear the chicken. Once done, remove the top layer of cellophane.
• Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Repeat this step with the remaining chicken tenders.
• Prepare the Egg Wash:
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise.
• Add the flour, milk, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and salt. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
• Prepare the Breading:
• In another medium-sized bowl, mix together the Italian bread crumbs and flour.
• Fry the Chicken Tenders:
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add enough canola oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
• Dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, dip the chicken in the breading mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
• Once the oil is hot (the chicken should sizzle when added), carefully place about 4 chicken tenders at a time into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Sauté for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the tenders from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.