How To Make A Chicken Tender Like A Fucking Adult

Because sometimes you still want to order from the kids' menu

How do we turn the ultimate kid food into adult food?

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Oh, hello there. You look so grown up!

Ashley Rodriguez/Food52 / Via food52.com

Here's how to make the crispest, juiciest, most ADULT chicken tenders.

1. Dry-brine

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Dry-brining is a very adult thing to do, and yet it is SO EASY. You basically just toss the chicken in salt, thyme, oregano, and a myriad of other spices —this ensures a flavorful, juicy result. Chicken tenders look a little awkward in this life stage, but they're about to blossom.

2. Dredge the chicken in a crisp, flavorful coating.

This helps the chicken mature a little, getting tossed around in breadcrumbs and all. The Parmesan adds a sophisticated and adult touch.

3. The dipping sauce

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No ketchup! It's apple cider sweet and sour sauce! Seasonal and delicious.

4. Follow the recipe

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The fact that there's even a recipe is proof that these chicken tenders are all grown up. So long baby frozen tenders. Say hello to the adult variety.

Chicken Tenders with Apple Cider Sweet and Sour Sauce

Serves 6 to 8

For the apple cider sweet and sour sauce:

1 cup apple cider

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the chicken tenders:

2 pounds boneless chicken tenders

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pinch cayenne

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

10 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

Flaky salt

Oil, for frying

See the full recipe (and save and print it) here.

Ashley Rodriguez contributed to this post. For more, visit Food52.