๐ Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe (Easy, Golden & Crunchy)
Crispy chicken tenders that are golden, juicy, and packed with flavor. Easy homemade chicken strips, ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for frying, baking, or air-frying.
Introduction:
Love restaurant-style crispy chicken tenders at home? These golden, juicy, and flavorful chicken strips are perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you bake, air-fry, or deep-fry them, these chicken tenders come out crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside—every time!
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
- ๐ Crispy & juicy with bold seasoning
- ๐ก Family-friendly and freezer-ready
- ๐ฅ Perfect for frying, baking, or air-frying
- ๐ฟ Easily made gluten-free or low-carb
- ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
๐ Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (or spray for baking/air-frying)
๐ฉ๐ณ How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Stations
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika in a third.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dredge each piece in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently for a thick, even coating.
4. Choose Your Cooking Method
Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tenders on a parchment-lined tray. Spray with oil and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fry: Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
5. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo!
๐ง Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Classic ranch or BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard or garlic aioli
- Spicy buffalo sauce or sweet chili dip
- Creamy sriracha mayo
✅ Tips for Extra Crispy Tenders
- Use panko breadcrumbs for crunch
- Press the coating firmly for thick breading
- Let coated tenders rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
๐ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze raw breaded tenders for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy
๐ FAQ – Crispy Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or almond meal for a grain-free option.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baking or air-frying still yields deliciously crispy results with less oil.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes—boneless skinless thighs work well for extra juicy tenders.
๐ฝ️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad
- Pair with mac and cheese or mashed potatoes
- Add to wraps, sandwiches, or chicken & waffles
๐ Save & Share
These crispy chicken tenders are a weeknight staple and party favorite. Save this recipe on Pinterest and tag us on Instagram with your crunchy creations! ๐งก๐
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