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Our favorite fried chicken tenders recipe is a go-to 30-minute meal, perfect for weeknights. It’s quick, simple, and always a hit!
Fried + Homemade
Our fried chicken tenders recipe tastes just like something you’d buy at a restaurant (actually even BETTER). They are breaded and fried in a little oil, perfectly crisp and they so delicious!
Not only do kids love these chicken tenders, but adults love them too. They’ve become one of our favorite dinners. Our kids love having a bunch of different dips on hand to switch up the flavors (like our Homemade Ranch or Chick Fil A Sauce).
This recipe always saves the day when we’ve forgotten to plan dinner for that night. We usually have all the ingredients on hand and right in our pantry and fridge. Easy and quick – what more could you ask for?
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- No utensils required! You just need your hands and your favorite dips.
- So crispy. Crispy on the outside and tender in the center – they are better than anything you’d order at a restaurant!
- On the table in 30 minutes! Perfect for busy nights (and when there is no plan), this easy dinner is ready in no time!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes
- vegetable oil – or canola oil, peanut oil, or olive oil labels suitable for frying
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast – or an equal amount of chicken tenderloins, just remove the tendon
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs – regular breadcrumbs or a mixture of both
- 1½ teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes) – or season with parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- favorite dipping sauce – classic ketchup, Homemade Ranch Dressing, BBQ Sauce, Fry Sauce, or Honey Mustard Sauce
How to Make Chicken Tenders
- PREP. Heat oil on medium-high heat in a pan.
- DREDGE. Add 3 beaten eggs to a bowl, 1 cup flour to another bowl, and 2 cups Panko mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon 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.
Air FryEr Directions
Prepare the chicken as directed in the recipe. Spray each side with olive oil spray and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 3-4 minutes. Flip and fry for another 4 minutes.
Chicken Tenders 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.
Recipe FAQ
Prepare the chicken tenders recipe as directed. Place them on a plate in a single layer, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours.
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for 3-4 months. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or warm oven.
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!