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Crispy Chicken Tenders are a timeless favorite that everyone loves.
The perfect combination of a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior makes them irresistible.
This recipe is simple yet delicious, ensuring you’ll get perfectly crispy chicken tenders every time.
Whether you’re preparing them for dinner, a snack, or a party, these tenders are a guaranteed hit.
The best part is they’re made from scratch, so you can enjoy a healthier, homemade version compared to store-bought options.
Ingredients Needed for Crispy Chicken Tenders
To make these crispy chicken tenders, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
- Chicken Strips
For the base of your tenders, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast or pre-cut chicken tenderloins.Make sure to trim off any excess fat and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel for better breading adhesion. - Seasonings
A simple seasoning mix is all you need to enhance the flavor of the chicken.Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. - Breading Ingredients
You’ll need all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for the breading.The flour creates a base layer, while the egg helps the breadcrumbs stick.Panko breadcrumbs are a great option to achieve an extra crispy texture. - Oil for Frying
For frying the chicken tenders, vegetable oil or canola oil works best due to its high smoke point.This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders
Preparation of Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips if you’re not using pre-cut tenderloins.
Trim any fat or connective tissue off the chicken for a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
This helps the breading adhere better and results in crispier tenders.
Seasoning the Chicken
Next, season the chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Make sure to coat each piece evenly on both sides.
You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick of heat, if desired.
Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the breading ingredients.
Breading Process
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes.
In the first dish, place a generous amount of all-purpose flour.
In the second dish, whisk eggs with a tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash.
In the third dish, pour in your breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch).
To coat each chicken strip, first dip it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
Then, dip it in the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.
Frying the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
Cook the chicken for 4–6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for proper doneness.
These steps will help you achieve crispy chicken tenders with a flavorful coating and tender inside.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders
To ensure your chicken tenders turn out extra crispy, there are a few tricks you can use.
- Double Breading:
For an even crunchier texture, consider double breading the chicken.
After dipping the chicken in the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, dip it back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs again for a thicker coating. - Use Panko Breadcrumbs:
Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, creating a crispier, more airy coating. - Proper Oil Temperature:
Make sure your oil is heated to the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
If the oil is too cold, the breading will absorb the oil and become soggy.
Too hot, and the tenders may burn before fully cooking inside. - Avoid Overcrowding the Pan:
When frying, ensure there’s enough space between each piece of chicken.
Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, making the tenders less crispy.
Fry them in batches if needed. - Drain on Paper Towels:
After frying, place the tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
This helps maintain the crispiness and prevents them from becoming greasy.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken Tenders can be served in many delicious ways.
- Dips and Sauces:
Serve your tenders with a variety of dipping sauces.
Classic options include honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy ketchup.
For an extra kick, try serving with sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce. - Side Dishes:
Pair your chicken tenders with classic sides such as crispy French fries or a fresh green salad.
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob are also great complements. - Make a Meal:
For a complete meal, you can serve the tenders in a sandwich or wrap.
Place the tenders on a soft bun with lettuce, pickles, and your favorite sauce.
Add a side of fries or chips to complete the dish. - Serving for a Party:
If you’re serving these chicken tenders at a party, consider arranging them on a platter with various dips and sauces for guests to enjoy.
You can even serve them alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or onion rings.
Crispy Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in many creative ways!
Final Thought
Crispy Chicken Tenders are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion.
With their golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior, they bring comfort and flavor in every bite.
By following this simple recipe and using the tips provided, you can make restaurant-quality tenders at home.
Whether served with a variety of dipping sauces or paired with your favorite sides, these tenders will never disappoint.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders for a healthier option.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. - How do I store leftover crispy chicken tenders?
To store leftovers, place the tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They can be kept for up to 3 days.
For reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness rather than microwaving them. - Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.
If reheating fully cooked tenders, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. - What should I do if the breading isn’t sticking?
If the breading isn’t sticking, ensure that your chicken is dry before breading.
The flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken, so make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with each layer.
Additionally, you can try pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly to help them stick. - Can I freeze these crispy chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken tenders before frying.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
To cook from frozen, fry them directly from the freezer or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20- 25 minutes.
Crispy Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- 1 large frying pan or skillet
- 1 deep fryer (optional)
- 3 shallow bowls (for breading)
- 1 cooking thermometer (optional, for checking oil temperature)
- 1 paper towel-lined plate (for draining excess oil)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken strips dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
Set up the Breading Station
- In the first shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In the second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water.
- In the third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, dip the chicken in the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 4–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Double Breading: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs twice.
- Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C). If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Freezing: You can bread the chicken ahead of time, freeze it, and fry it later. Just freeze the breaded tenders in a single layer before storing them in a freezer bag.
