Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into tenders
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (about 2 cups, canola or vegetable oil recommended)
- ½ cup (120ml) apple juice
- ¼ cup (60g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions:
- Slice chicken into tenders and season with salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, combine apple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add cornstarch slurry, stirring until thickened.
- Drizzle the Sweet Apple Glaze over the fried chicken tenders before serving.