Spicy Sichuan Chicken Tenders: A Zesty Twist!

Step 1

Enhance the flavor of your chicken tenders by generously seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, create a tantalizing blend of Sichuan peppercorn powder, a teaspoon of salt, cayenne, and paprika for an extra kick; reserve this mixture for later.

Step 3

Prepare a dredging station with flour in one shallow bowl, a whisked mixture of eggs and water in another, and a combination of bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

Step 4

Coat each chicken tender in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by a generous coating of the seasoned bread crumbs. Place the breaded tenders on a plate to set aside.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil until it reaches a temperature of 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), ensuring it is about 1/2-inch deep.

Step 6

Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure to flip them until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on the oil temperature and adjust as necessary between batches.

Step 7

After frying, immediately sprinkle each batch of chicken tenders with the prepared Sichuan powder mixture on both sides, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. The more seasoning you add, the spicier the flavor will be.