Red Robin Chicken Tenders Recipe

When you or your loved ones want to soak up the taste of Red Robin’s chicken tenders at home, this is your go-to recipe!

These babies are simple to prepare and easily capture the restaurant’s signature flavors.

Start by gathering fresh chicken tenders and mixing up a delicious rub with salt, chili, and garlic powders.

For the crispiest tenders, I recommend using panko breadcrumbs, and don’t forget to let the chicken marinate for extra flavor.

How to Make Red Robin Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into strips)
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for about an hour in the refrigerator.

This will help tenderize the chicken.

Step 2:

In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

This will be your dry coating for the chicken.

Step 3:

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

Coat chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it on to ensure an even layer.

Step 4:

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

It’s ready when a small piece of bread browns in about 60 seconds.

Step 5:

Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil.

Fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Marinating Magic

If you can marinate the chicken a little longer, say overnight, the flavors will really soak in, making each bite even more flavorful.

Ideal Oil Temperature

Using a cooking thermometer is a great way to ensure the oil is at the right temperature, which should be around 350°F.

Perfect Crunch

For extra crunchy tenders, you can double dip your chicken by repeating the flour coating process before frying.

Customize Your Seasoning

Feel free to experiment with your spices to match your preferred flavor profile, such as adding a bit of cumin or cayenne for extra kick.

Check for Doneness

To guarantee that chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What to Serve with Red Robin Chicken Tenders Recipe

Classic Fries

When you’re thinking about what to serve with chicken tenders, classic fries come to mind first.

Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, they pair amazingly well. You can make them at home or pick up a bag of pre-made ones from the store.

Keep things simple and let your chicken tenders shine next to this much-loved side.

BBQ Baked Beans

A side of BBQ baked beans is a sweet and smoky delight that complements the savory flavors of your chicken tenders. You can prepare these beans with a rich BBQ sauce to add a deeper flavor profile.

Don’t forget that leftover BBQ sauce can double up as a dip for your chicken tenders!

Broccoli Rice Casserole

For a warm, cozy side, broccoli rice casserole adds a hearty component.

This dish brings in a cheesy, creamy texture that works perfectly alongside the tender crunch of your chicken tenders. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens.

Honey Butter Peas

Another delightful choice is honey butter peas. These bring a buttery and slightly sweet note to your meal, which harmonizes wonderfully with the crispy chicken tenders. They’re simple to prepare and add variety to the plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Let’s shake things up with roasted Brussels sprouts. Roasting them brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs unexpectedly well with chicken tenders.

It’s a modern twist that offers a healthy and delicious complement to your meal.

Grilled Watermelon Salad

For something refreshing yet surprising, try a grilled watermelon salad.

This summer-inspired dish offers a balance of sweet and savory that is perfect for your meal.

It’s a colorful side that will brighten up your table and add an exciting element to your dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

Bread Crumb Choices

You can experiment with different types of bread crumbs to change the texture and flavor of your chicken tenders.

Panko bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch, while Italian-seasoned bread crumbs provide additional herbs and spices.

Spice It Up

For those who love some heat, adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix can bring a spicy kick to your tenders.

Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Dipping Sauce Swaps

Consider serving your chicken tenders with different dipping sauces for a variety of flavors.

Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a classic ranch dressing can be exciting choices.

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re looking to avoid dairy, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk for the marinade.

These options keep your tenders moist and flavorful without the use of traditional dairy products.

Flavorful Marinades

Consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for an added boost of flavor.

This can give your tenders a fresh and zesty profile, perfect for a summer meal!

How to Store Leftover Red Robin Chicken Tenders

To properly store leftover Red Robin chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container soon after they’ve cooled down.

It’s important to refrigerate them within a couple of hours to keep them fresh and safe from bacteria.

Short-Term Storage

In the fridge, these tenders will remain good for about four days.

Use containers that seal well to keep moisture in and prevent any odor from other foods affecting them.

If you know you’ll eat them soon, the refrigerator is the best bet!

Long-Term Storage

For an extended shelf life, freezing is the way to go!

Wrap each tender individually in plastic wrap before placing them into a freezer bag.

In the freezer, you can store these leftovers for up to three months.

Labeling and Timing

Don’t forget to mark the container with the date you stored them.

This will help you keep track of their freshness and when they might need to be used up.

Remembering these details will make sure your tenders taste just as good when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Dry Rub

One big mistake you could make is not applying a dry rub to your chicken tenders.

A well-seasoned rub enhances flavor and adds a nice kick, transforming your tenders from basic to amazing.

Mix salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper for the ultimate blend, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Overcrowding the Pan

Resist the urge to pack your tenders too closely together on the baking sheet.

Spacing them out properly means each piece cooks evenly, giving you that perfect tenderness and juiciness.

Crowding causes steaming instead of baking, leading to soggy tenders.

Forgetting the Thermometer

Using a thermometer is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked chicken tenders.

Stick it into the thickest part to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for optimal doneness.

This step prevents undercooking or drying out your chicken, ensuring a juicy bite every time!