Description
Golden, crispy chicken tenders are a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. This recipe features a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken tenders that are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and customizable with your favorite seasonings and dips. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these tenders are sure to delight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying) or spray oil (for baking/air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with seasoned flour (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko.
- Coat each chicken tender in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- For frying: Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F and cook each tender for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange tenders on a baking tray and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place tenders in the basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
- For gluten-free tenders, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken tenders, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, family meal, comfort food, air-fried chicken, baked chicken tenders, chicken strips, gluten-free chicken tenders.