Crunchy, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tenders

So last weekend I was at my parents house.....which never stops me from cookin' up something tasty.

While I love giving up the chef reins to my momma, when the two of us are in one kitchen magical things happen.

This time while my family was out on the boat, I decided to whip up a quick and easy lunch for them before I had to make the drive back down south. 

There is a lack of pictures for this post because, well....it's just so darn simple that it felt ridiculous taking pictures of the process.  

I love this recipe because not only is it really simple, but it satisfies my love of chicken wings while not having to make or buy chicken wings!!!

Making chicken wings involves a fryer (which I hate using) and buying chicken wings IS FRIKEN EXPENSIVE, so tenders are a nice compromise.

The panko adds a really great crunch that you just won't get with regular bread crumbs (also much healthier than frying!!) and this sauce is sweet while having that heat that everyone loves. 

Ingredients: 

12 pre-cut raw chicken tenders

2 eggs

1/2 cup flour

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 1/2 cups of brown sugar

1/3 cup Frank's Original Hot Sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons water 

Ranch dressing for dipping

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Set up your breading station with three bowls.

In one bowl add the flour, in the second add 2 eggs with about a tablespoon of water and whisk together, and in the last bowl add the bread crumbs. 

Bread the chicken by first coating with flour.

Give it a bath in the egg, and then completely coat bread crumbs.

Place onto the greased baking sheet, 

Once all of the tenders are breaded and on the pan, spray them down with the cooking spray.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

If you don't do this step, your tenders won't get brown and crispy.

Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and completely cooked.

Meanwhile, make the easiest sauce know to man.

In a large saucepan, add the brown sugar and hot sauce.

Cook on medium heat until well blended and it starts to boil, stirring frequently. 

Remove from the heat and add the garlic powder and water.

Whisk until blended and set aside until the tenders are done cooking.

Once the tenders are out of the oven and cool enough to handle without burning your hand off, dip each one in the sauce to completely coat it and place on a plate. 

Once each tender is coated, drizzle the excess sauce over the tenders.

Serve some ranch dressing on the side, or drizzle over the top and your done!!!