Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Red Rice and Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Indulge in the delightful flavors of crispy fried chicken tenders, served alongside aromatic red rice and a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad. This dish brings together the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a must-try for your next family meal. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:
🍗 3 pounds of chicken tenders
🥛 1 quart buttermilk
🧂 1 tablespoon onion powder
🌶️ 1 tablespoon paprika
🧄 1 tablespoon garlic powder
🌶️ 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
🥘 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
🍃 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

For the Flour Mixture:
🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
🌽 1 cup cornstarch
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧄 1 tablespoon garlic powder
🧂 1 tablespoon onion powder
🌶️ 1 tablespoon paprika
🥘 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
🌶️ 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
🍃 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

For the Red Rice:
🍚 3 cups jasmine rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
🫒 3 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍅 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
💧 3 cups hot water

For the Cucumber Yogurt Salad:
🥒 1 English cucumber (peeled and chopped)
🥛 1 cup plain yogurt
🍶 1/4 cup sour cream
🍋 Juice of half a lemon
🧄 1 clove garlic (minced)
🌿 1 teaspoon dried mint or fresh
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1- Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne powder, Creole seasoning, and ranch seasoning.
• Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight for best results.

2- Prepare the Flour Mixture:

• In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Creole seasoning, cayenne powder, and ranch seasoning.

3- Fry the Chicken:

• Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
• Coat each tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, then let them rest on a tray for about 10 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry chicken tenders until golden brown and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

4- Cook the Red Rice:

• In a pot over high heat, heat olive oil and add the soaked and drained rice.
• Stir in chicken bouillon, salt, tomato sauce, and hot water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed.

5- Make the Cucumber Yogurt Salad:

• In a bowl, combine chopped cucumber, yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, mint, and salt.
• Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 600
Protein: 35g
Fats: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment:

• Large mixing bowls
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Pot for rice
• Cutting knife

Cooking Tips

• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
• Green parts of fresh mint can be used as a garnish for added freshness in salads.

#crispychicken #redrice #cucumberyogurtsalad #homemade #delicious #familymeal #tasty #comfortfood #foodie

YouTube channel - EmanInTheKitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@EmanInTheKitchen

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Red Rice and Cucumber Yogurt Salad