Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Picture this: a golden-brown exterior that crunches delightfully with each bite, revealing juicy, flavorful chicken that practically dances with joy on your taste buds. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cook is like a warm hug from your favorite childhood memory.
You can whip up these Chicken Tenders any day of the week—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, an impromptu gathering with friends, or even a fancy Friday night in while binge-watching your favorite series. Trust me, everyone will be begging for seconds and thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chicken Tenders are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weekdays
- The flavor is unbeatable, combining herbs and spices for a savory kick
- Their golden appearance makes them irresistibly tempting on any plate
- You can customize them with different dipping sauces or spices to suit any palate
I remember the first time I made Chicken Tenders for my friends’ game night; their faces lit up with excitement as they devoured every last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Flour: All-purpose flour works best for coating; it gives that perfect crunch.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken nicely.
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Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crispiness—trust me, don’t skip this step!
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth of flavor; it makes everything better!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all those delicious flavors.
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Cooking Oil: Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying; it’s great for high heat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into tenders. Aim for strips about 1 inch wide; this size cooks evenly and keeps them juicy.
Breading Station Setup: Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, another with whisked eggs, and the last one filled with panko breadcrumbs. This station is key for getting that perfect coating.
Dredging Time!: Take each chicken strip, coat it in flour until fully covered, then dip it into the egg mixture before rolling it in breadcrumbs. Make sure to press down gently for maximum crunch!
Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F or 175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Fry Those Tenders!: Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the oil in batches—don’t overcrowd! Fry each side until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side), then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Dive into Flavor Town!: Serve your Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch dressing is a classic, but honey mustard is equally irresistible! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
And there you have it—homemade Chicken Tenders that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!
You Must Know
- This fantastic chicken tenders recipe is easy to customize with spices and sauces
- You can enjoy them golden and crispy, perfect for dipping or as a main dish
- The delightful aroma while they cook will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. Then, coat them in breadcrumbs before frying until golden brown. This ensures juicy insides with crispy outsides.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch. Experiment with different spices like paprika or garlic powder to personalize your flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep your chicken tenders juicy, avoid overcooking them; a quick fry is all you need
- Always let your oil heat up before frying to ensure perfect crispiness
- Experiment with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor
It was my niece’s birthday party when I first made these chicken tenders. The kids devoured them, and I felt like a superstar chef when they asked for seconds!
FAQ
What is the best way to season chicken tenders?
The best way is to marinate them with your favorite spices overnight for maximum flavor.
Can I bake chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes for a healthier option.
How do I know when chicken tenders are cooked through?
Chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown.
Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. This easy recipe brings together juicy chicken and a delightful crunch, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with salt and pepper, one for whisked eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, and roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently for a good coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
