Not Your Average Chicken Tender Recipes
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: September 4, 2014

There is something about chicken tenders that feels familiar and homey.  Aside from the fact that they are on almost every restaurant menu, chicken tenders are a favorite among adults and kids alike.  The crunchy coating paired with juicy white meat is a winning combination that people can't seem to get enough of.  
The great thing about chicken tenders is that is can be one of your go to meals on busy weeknights.  Most recipes can be prepared in under 30 minutes without much fuss.  Also, while I love a golden brown deep fried tender, more often than not, the ones I serve at home are baked.  This cooking allows me to cook multiple tenders at one time.  These recipes are an example of just how easy and delicious chicken tenders can be.
Southern Chicken Fingers
Recipe from Thirsty for Tea
Taking note from classic fried catfish, these Southern inspired chicken tenders are doused in a spicy cornmeal crust.  The crumb coating is made from a combination of crushed melba toast, paprika, chili powder, garlic and onion powder, parmesan cheese and of course, cornmeal.  The cornmeal gives these tenders a different texture and flavor than flour.  The sweet and spicy tea dipping sauce is a combination of triple strength black tea, honey and hot sauce. 

Quinoa Crusted Chicken Tenders
Recipe from Housewife in Training Files
If you're gluten-free and missing eating crispy chicken tenders, these quinoa crusted tenders are the answer.  To make the crust, quinoa is cooked according to package directions and then mixed with a packet of ranch seasoning to bump up the flavor.  It is then baked to dry out the excess moistures before the tenders are dredged in it.  You can serve these tenders with a number of dipping sauces (including ranch) but barbecue mustard is the sauce of choice.

Baked Pretzel Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Recipe from Just a Taste
Sweet, salty, tangy and delicious best describe these baked pretzel honey mustard chicken tenders.  This stress-free meal is guaranteed to lure your family t the dinner table.  Chicken tenders are dipped into a mixture of honey mustard and beaten eggs before being coated in pretzel crumbs.  You can use any brand of pretzels you like for this recipe but I especially love the honey wheat flavor with these tenders.