She Strengthens

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Slaw: A Match Made in Heaven

When it comes to satisfying snacks, few combinations can beat the perfect pairing of crispy chicken tenders and tangy coleslaw. This recipe, courtesy of Scott Youkilis of San Francisco’s Maverick restaurant, may require some effort, but trust us, the results are well worth it.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the coleslaw, you’ll need:

• 6 medium celery stalks
• 4 medium carrots
• 1/2 medium head green cabbage
• 3 medium shallots
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese

For the chicken tenders:

• 4 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 large eggs
• Peanut oil for frying
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups hot sauce (Youk’s Hot Sauce or Frank’s RedHot work well)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Prepare the Coleslaw

Slice the celery stalks thinly on the bias, then shred the carrots and cabbage using a mandoline or food processor. Combine the vegetables in a large bowl and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, and blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the dressing to the vegetables and mix until coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Make the Chicken Tenders

Heat the oven to 200°F. If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-1/2-inch-wide strips. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture in separate shallow bowls. Coat the chicken strips with flour, then dip in the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Heat a large frying pan with 1/2 inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken strips in batches until golden brown, about 3 1/2 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper, then keep warm in the oven.

Bring it All Together

Combine the hot sauce and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat until the butter is melted. When ready to serve, toss the chicken tenders with the spicy sauce and serve immediately with the coleslaw.

Beverage Pairing

A crisp glass of Kühl Riesling from Germany pairs perfectly with this dish, balancing the bold flavors of the cheese and vinegar with its bright fruit and acid notes.

With this recipe, you’ll be the star of any potluck or gathering. Just remember to fry the chicken tenders in batches and reheat them in the oven to maintain their crunch. Happy cooking!