Chicken Tenders with Sichuan Spice
Chicken Tenders with Sichuan Spice
Main Course Quick & Easy

Chicken Tenders with Sichuan Spice

★★★★ ☆ 4.0 (714)

These crispy chicken tenders are packed with bold, spicy flavors inspired by Sichuan cuisine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, they’re sure to satisfy your craving for something savory and a little bit fiery.

◷ 30 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Medium Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the Sichuan peppercorn powder, a teaspoon of salt, cayenne, and paprika—set this spicy blend aside for later. Next, get three shallow bowls ready: one with flour, another with beaten eggs mixed with a little water, and the third with breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2

Step 2

Coat each chicken tender by first dredging it in the flour, shaking off any extra, then dipping it into the egg mixture, and finally pressing it into the breadcrumb mix until well covered. Lay the coated tenders on a plate while you heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches around 375°F (if you don’t have a thermometer, it should shimmer and ripple), fry the tenders in batches. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re golden and cooked through. Remember to check the oil temperature between batches to keep it hot enough.

3

Step 3

Right after frying each batch, sprinkle the chicken with the Sichuan spice mix while it’s still hot—feel free to add more if you want it extra spicy. Serve them up warm and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crispy flavors. The Sichuan spice adds a unique kick that makes each bite exciting. It’s quick to prepare and great for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or simple stir-fried vegetables to complement the bold flavors. A cooling side like cucumber salad or a light yogurt dip pairs well to balance the heat.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.