Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the crispy goodness of homemade Chicken Tenders that are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. These crunchy and flavorful chicken strips are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own Chicken Tenders allows you to control the quality of ingredients, customize the seasonings to your liking, and enjoy a fresher and tastier alternative to store-bought options. Plus, it’s a fun and satisfying cooking project that yields delicious results.

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts sliced into strips)

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup Panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 large eggs (more if needed)

3 tablespoons water

Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix flour, bread crumbs, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.

Working in batches, dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then in the flour mixture. Dip it in the egg again and then the flour for a double coating. Press the flour into the chicken gently. Shake off excess flour and place on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, season with salt.

Serve with honey garlic sauce or your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve Chicken Tenders

Serve these crispy Chicken Tenders hot with your preferred dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup. Pair them with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Tenders

Store any leftover Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Tips to Make Chicken Tenders

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to achieve a crispy coating.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet to allow the chicken to cook evenly and stay crunchy.

Customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences by adding herbs or spices.

Variation

For a healthier twist, bake the Chicken Tenders in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenderloins? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips for a juicier option.

Can I freeze these Chicken Tenders? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.