Crispy Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken coated in a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a snack, this recipe ensures the chicken stays juicy on the inside while delivering the perfect crispy crunch on the outside.With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create homemade chicken tenders that rival any restaurant.
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.