CHICKEN TENDERS WITH PUMPKIN, SESAME AND POPPY SEED BREADING

Chicken Tenders with Pumpkin, Sesame and Poppy Seed Breading image

Provided by Danielle Alex

Categories main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, chopped
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 pounds organic chicken breasts, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch strips
2 cups sunflower oil or safflower oil, for frying

Steps:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a separate large baking sheet with paper towels and a wire rack.
Combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix the flour with 2 teaspoons of the seasoned salt in a large shallow bowl and set aside. Whisk the egg in a large shallow bowl and set aside. Combine the panko, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds and sesame seeds in a large shallow bowl and set aside.
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (it should be about 1 inch deep) until it registers 375 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
While the oil is heating up, bread the chicken in small batches. First, place the chicken in the flour mixture, coating each tender evenly and dusting off any excess flour. Then place the chicken in the egg wash, making sure each tender is covered. Place the tenders in the panko mixture, rolling the chicken so each tender has a nice coating. Be sure not to overcrowd the bowls with chicken, as you want each tender properly coated. Place the breaded chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cook the chicken until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, 4 to 6 minutes on each side. If the chicken is browning too fast, lower the heat. Place the cooked chicken on the wire rack and serve hot.