Introduction: Fried Chicken Fingers (Tenders) - Kids Cooking

This easy recipe gets kids involved in the kitchen. Best of all, they do all the messy work and have fun while doing it.

Ingredients:

flour

egg

bread crumbs

salt & pepper

chicken breast tenderloins

oil for frying (such as canola, safflower, corn, etc).

Equipment:

3 bowls

fork

clean cutting board or tray

fry pan

tongs or a spatula to flip

thermometer (optional, but recommended)

paper towels on a plate

and clean hands ;-)

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Trio: Flour, Egg, Bread Crumbs

All you need is:

Flour

Egg(s)

Bread Crumbs

How much you use is not that important. When coating meat or vegetables with bread crumbs start out with less and keep adding more to your bowl as needed.

Step 2: Chicken

You can buy "chicken breast tenderloins" at the supermarket.

It is basically a cut of the breast. It is a good size for children and fries quickly. It is perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner.

Don't forget to sprinkle with salt and pepper before you coat it.

Step 3: Dip Chicken Into Flour

To keep your hands relatively clean, use your left hand and coat the chicken in flour.

Step 4: Dip Chicken Into Egg

Shake off any excess flour. Then gently place chicken in bowl with scrambled egg. Use a fork to flip chicken over, and keep flipping with fork as needed, until completely covered in egg.

Step 5: Cover in Bread Crumbs

Lift chicken with fork out of egg, and gently place in bread crumbs. Using your right hand only, sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the chicken and gently flip over until it is completely covered in bread crumbs. Then place on a clean cutting board.

Step 6: Fry

Put about 1/2" to 1" of oil into a fry pan. Bring the oil up to 350F on high heat. Once you reach that temperature, lower heat just slightly. Then add chicken to oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip, and fry 2-3 more until golden brown on the other side. Carefully lift up the chicken and place on a paper towel.