Otbivnaya (Otbivni) Chicken Tenders

This Otbivnaya chicken tenders recipe features tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, golden-brown coating that’s perfect for dinner or as a snack. Made with boneless, skinless chicken tenders, this dish is coated in a flavorful breading and fried to perfection. The egg wash and seasonings ensure a rich taste and satisfying texture. Serve these crispy chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, or as part of a complete meal with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare, these homemade chicken tenders will be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

For Chicken Tenders:

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

For Egg Wash:

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

For Breading:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels. Lay a large cutting board with cellophane wrap and arrange half of the chicken tenders evenly spaced on the board. Cover with another layer of cellophane.
   • Gently pound the chicken tenders with the flat side of a meat mallet until they are about 1/4″ to 1/3″ thick. Be careful not to tear the chicken.
   • Remove the top layer of cellophane and lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour, milk, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
3. Prepare the Breading:
   • In another medium bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with flour until evenly blended.
4. Assemble and Cook the Chicken Tenders:
   • Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough to cover the bottom with about 1/4″ of oil.
   • Dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, making sure both sides are coated. Then dip it into the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
   • Once the oil is hot (you’ll know it’s ready when the chicken sizzles upon contact), place about 4 tenders in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
   • Sauté the tenders for about 4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
   • Remove the cooked chicken tenders and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Otbivnaya chicken tenders provides tender, juicy chicken with a crisp, golden-brown coating. The combination of the egg wash and breading ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and texture. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner or as a snack!

Tips

• Pounding the Chicken: Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
• Oil Temperature: For the best crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the breading may become soggy.
• Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken before breading for maximum flavor. Adjust the seasonings in the egg wash or breading mix to your taste.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Add Spices: Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for extra flavor.
• Herb Breading: Add fresh or dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breading for an herby twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! You can cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces to make your own tenders.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

What if I don’t have Mrs. Dash seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like basil or oregano.

Serving

Serve these Otbivnaya chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. They also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Suggestions

• For a Crispy Crust: After dipping the tenders in the egg wash and breading, let them sit for a few minutes to help the breading stick better.
• Make it a Meal: Serve the tenders over a bed of rice or in a sandwich with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayo.