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This chicken tenders recipe is one of our go-to weeknight meals. They are simple, always tasty, and always a hit with the kids!
This crispy chicken tenders recipe is similar to our Baked Chicken Fingers, only they are fried instead of baked. If you are a fan of delicious fried chicken for dinner, you’ll want to try our Fried Chicken Breast as well.
Fried + Homemade
This chicken tenders recipe tastes just like something you’d buy at a restaurant. They are breaded and fried in a little oil which makes them taste amazing!
Oh yeah – kids love them too! They’ve become one of our favorite dinner recipes. We love having a bunch of different dips on hand to switch up the flavors (like our Homemade Ranch).
This recipe always saves the day when I’ve forgotten to plan dinner for that night. I usually have all the ingredients on hand and right in my pantry and fridge. Easy and quick – what more could you ask for?
These are also great for eating outside during warm summer nights! No utensils are required, just your hands and your favorite dips.
How to Make Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a best-loved recipe in our home, and they are so simple to make!
PREP. Heat oil on medium-high heat in a pan.
DREDGE. Add beaten eggs to a bowl, flour to another bowl and Panko mixed with garlic salt, and lemon pepper in a third bowl.
Dip chicken pieces into flour, then into the egg mix, and then into Panko making sure to coat the whole chicken piece.
FRY. Fry chicken pieces in oil for 4 minutes on each side (or until golden brown). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Favorite dipping sauce. We have a whole long list of dips to eat with our chicken tenders! Some favorites include:
Recipe Tips
Easy chicken tenders recipe will come out perfectly every time with these simple tips!
Nuggets. This same recipe can be used to make chicken nuggets, just cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
Variations. Mix a little parmesan cheese into the panko crumbs. You can also season the panko crumbs with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or black pepper bread crumb mixture.
You can use plain regular breadcrumbs, or you can choose to use Italian-flavored breadcrumbs.
Oil temperature. Make sure to fry the chicken tenders until they are nice and brown. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry them evenly throughout. Throw a little bit of egg into the oil to see if it bubbles up—then the oil is ready!
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan.
Air fry. You can fry these bad boys in the air fryer for a healthier version. Make as directed, spray with avocado oil, and fry for about 10 minutes – flipping at the 5-minute mark.
Serving + SToring Info
Serving suggestions. We love to serve these tenders with Homemade French Fries and Fruit Kabobs. You can also use the tenders as a topping for your favorite pasta or salad.
Freeze chicken tenders to fry later. Prepare the chicken tenders recipe as directed and place them on a tray. Freeze them until solid and transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer Ziploc. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw before frying.
STORE. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for 3-4 days if stored properly. Heat homemade chicken tenders in the microwave or warm oven for a few minutes.
FREEZE. If you’d rather freeze them, keep them in a freezer-safe bag or tightly wrapped in foil in the freezer. Breaded chicken tenders should last up to 4 months.
Recipe FAQ
Instead of cutting a large chicken breast into chicken strips, you can buy a package of chicken tenderloins. The tenderloin is a thin strip of muscle found attached next to the chicken breast, but it is not the chicken breast.
Absolutely! Using the air fryer is a great way to replicate a crispy fried chicken without the added oil. Prepare the chicken as directed in the recipe. Spray each side with olive oil spray. Place the strips in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 3-4 minutes. Flip and fry for another 4 minutes.
Marinating chicken is optional, but doing so can help the chicken to be even more tender. You can place the chicken strips in a bowl of buttermilk or milk and add 1 tsp of lemon juice per cup of milk. Soak the chicken for up to 8 hours before draining, patting dry, and coating.
For More Quick and Easy Dinners, Try:
Chicken Tender Recipe
Ingredients
- vegetable oil
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into strips
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cup Panko Bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil on medium-high heat in a pan.
- Add beaten eggs to a bowl, flour to another bowl and Panko mixed with garlic salt, and lemon pepper in a third bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces into flour, then into the egg mix, and then into Panko making sure to coat the whole chicken piece.
- Fry chicken pieces in oil for 4 minutes on each side (or until golden brown). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hello Kristyn,
I’m looking forward to make these. I have all the ingredients to make these. But my question, how much oil is needed ? They look deliouses girl… (smiling)
The little kids love chicken tenders. These tenders really take no time and come out nice and crispy.
Hands down the best chicken tenders I have ever had!
Yum! My kids loved this. We will be making it on the regular.
Chicken Tenders are the best! Thanks for a graet recipe!
These are a million times better than the frozen stuff you buy at the store! great recipe!
I love the brightness that the lemon pepper adds to these tenders. I make these all the time!
Great kid friendly recipe! So easy and so crispy!
These are delicious!! My entire family gobbled them down! Thanks!
My family could eat chicken tenders everyday! These were crispy & just perfect. I will make these again!