Few family dinners are as reliably crowd-pleasing as crisp Chicken Tenders, a golden-brown classic that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Coated in seasoned panko and baked until crunchy, these tenders pair perfectly with honey mustard or a simple dipping sauce, making them an ideal weeknight hit for all ages.
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Ingredients for Chicken Tenders
For the chicken
- Chicken Breast Tenders – Go for fresh, evenly sized pieces for the best results.
For the coating
- All-Purpose Flour – This creates the base layer for the breading.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle flavor boost you don’t want to skip.
- Paprika – A pinch for a little smokiness and color.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always a plus.
- Eggs – Helps the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- Milk – Just a splash to loosen up the eggs.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – These give the crispiest, crunchiest texture.
For frying
- Vegetable Oil – A neutral oil that works great for frying.
Cook Time for Crispy Chicken Tenders
I love that this recipe for Chicken Tenders comes together so quickly. It’s the kind of meal that saves you when everyone’s hungry and patience is thin.
The active prep is a breeze, and you’ll have a platter of juicy homemade tenders with dipping sauce on the table before you know it.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
If you’re looking for other quick and satisfying family dinner ideas, you really can’t go wrong.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders
Making Chicken Tenders from scratch is one of life’s simple pleasures. Let me walk you through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Create Your Seasoned Flour
In a medium shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate shallow dish, beat 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons milk using a fork until the mixture is completely smooth with no streaks of egg white remaining.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Spread 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish to create a breading station with three distinct components: seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bread the Tenders
Pat 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip fully into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
Finally, press firmly into the panko to coat all sides evenly, ensuring the crumbs adhere and create a perfect base for those pan-fried panko crusted tenders.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until shimmering. Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately when ready.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Fry the breaded tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the coating is crisp and deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make these Chicken Tenders truly special. Here are my favorite ways to tweak the recipe to suit any mood or diet.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, swap the paprika for a Cajun or Italian seasoning blend. It completely changes the personality of these savory garlic paprika seasoned strips.
- Diet Tweak: To make oven-roasted breaded chicken fingers, simply arrange the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Texture Fix: For an extra-crispy crust, let the breaded tenders rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set and adhere better.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers reheat beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For more ways to use up leftovers, check out my creative chicken pasta dishes. You can also freeze them before frying for a future quick meal.
And if you love the flavor of these, you might also enjoy my method for another crispy garlic chicken classic.
Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Equipment
- skillet
- wire rack
- baking sheet
Method
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the 2 large eggs with the 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and uniform.
- Place the 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish to create a standard breading station with three separate containers.
- Pat the 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then dredge each tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it fully into the egg mixture, and finally press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides evenly.
- Heat the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers; to test, a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the breaded tenders for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the coating is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
These homemade chicken tenders offer a better-for-you alternative to restaurant versions when prepared with care. While they’re still a treat, you control the ingredients and cooking method.
Using lean chicken breast provides a solid protein foundation, and baking instead of deep-frying significantly reduces the oil absorption. I always feel good serving these to my family knowing exactly what’s in them.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional profile per serving when prepared as baked chicken tenders:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
For those watching their intake, the Chicken Tenderloin Anatomy explains why this cut is naturally leaner than other options. The protein content helps keep you full longer, making these chicken tenders a satisfying meal component.
If you’re looking for other healthy chicken options, try my grilled chicken breast recipe or these flavorful cilantro lime chicken versions for variety.
A Lighter Version of Crispy Chicken Tenders
Sometimes I want that satisfying crunch without the extra calories, and over the years I’ve perfected a lighter approach to these family favorites. The secret lies in smart substitutions that maintain flavor and texture.
Instead of frying, I bake the breaded chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, creating that beautiful golden-brown crust without excess oil.
For an even lighter coating, try using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. They provide that essential crunch while adding extra fiber. You can also reduce the flour coating by simply seasoning the chicken directly before the egg wash.
When it comes to dipping sauces, Greek yogurt makes a wonderful base instead of mayonnaise. Mix it with lemon juice, dill, and a touch of honey for a creamy yet light accompaniment to your crispy baked chicken breast strips.
For more healthy dinner inspiration, check out my lemon chicken recipe or these delicious chicken burgers that are always crowd-pleasers.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, I’ve cooked for friends and family with various dietary needs, and I’ve learned that with a few thoughtful adjustments, everyone can enjoy these chicken tenders together. It’s all about making small changes that keep the spirit of the dish alive while respecting different nutritional requirements.
For those watching their sugar intake, you can create a completely sugar-free version by omitting the paprika if it contains added sugars and choosing your seasonings carefully. Many store-bought seasoning blends contain hidden sugars, so I prefer mixing my own spices from individual containers.
If you’re looking for natural sugar alternatives in your dipping sauces, consider using a touch of pureed fruit or a sugar-free sweetener that works for your needs. For portion control, which helps with glycemic management, I like to serve two chicken tenders with a large vegetable salad rather than making the tenders the entire meal.
How to Serve Chicken Tenders
I’ll never forget the summer my niece visited from Georgia and declared these chicken tenders “better than any restaurant.” She arranged them carefully on her plate with little ramekins of three different dipping sauces, creating her own tasting menu that absolutely made my day.
That memory reminds me how serving and presentation can turn simple food into something special. These juicy homemade tenders with dipping sauce become a real occasion when you put a little love into how they’re presented.
For weeknight dinners, I love serving these savory garlic paprika seasoned strips with roasted sweet potato fries and a crisp green salad. The contrast of textures and flavors makes everyone happy without requiring extra effort.
When we have company, I might prepare my chicken pasta bake as a main dish and offer these tenders as an appetizer with two or three dipping options. For a fun family night, try turning them into chicken tacos by slicing them and serving with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.
No matter how you serve them, these chicken tenders always bring people together around the table, creating those simple, joyful moments that become cherished memories.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned that even the simplest recipes can go wrong when we overlook small details. These crispy baked chicken breast strips are wonderfully forgiving, but avoiding a few key mistakes will guarantee perfection every time.
One common error is skipping the drying step. Always pat your raw chicken tenders thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. This simple act helps the seasoning cling and creates that golden, crispy crust we all love.
Another pitfall is overcrowding your baking sheet. When those savory garlic paprika seasoned strips are too close together, they steam instead of crisp. I always leave space between each piece for proper air circulation.
Finally, don’t slice your chicken too thick or too thin. Aim for even strips so they cook uniformly. This attention to detail ensures each bite of these juicy homemade tenders with dipping sauce is perfectly cooked through.
For more cooking wisdom, I always turn to Chicken Tenderloin Anatomy for guidance on working with this special cut. And if you love breaded favorites, don’t miss my authentic Italian chicken cutlets or these classic homemade chicken nuggets for more family dinner ideas.
I learned these lessons the hard way during my early cooking days, but now they’re second nature. Trust me—your homemade chicken tenders will thank you!
How to Store Chicken Tenders
I’ll never forget the summer my cousin visited from Alabama with her three hungry boys. She made a double batch of these baked chicken tenders on Sunday, and we enjoyed them throughout the week in so many creative ways. That experience taught me the value of proper storage and how it extends the joy of cooking.
For short-term storage, let your chicken tenders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. I often use glass containers because they don’t absorb odors and keep the breading crisp.
If you want to freeze them, arrange the cooled tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months, ready to reheat whenever hunger strikes.
When reheating, I always use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. A few minutes at 375°F restores that wonderful crunch perfectly. These storage methods let you enjoy your homemade chicken tenders fresh-tasting days after you make them.
For more make-ahead inspiration, try my slow cooker chicken or this comforting chicken casserole that stores just as well. Having ready-to-eat proteins on hand makes weeknight dinners so much easier!
Try This Chicken Tenders Yourself
I still remember the first time I served these oven-roasted breaded chicken fingers to my book club. The room went silent except for the happy crunching sounds, and suddenly everyone was asking for the recipe. That’s the magic of sharing good food with good people.
These crispy chicken tenders have become a staple in our home because they bring everyone to the table with smiles. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite. I hope they become part of your family’s story too.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken, try my BBQ chicken breasts for your next cookout, or these flavorful crispy garlic chicken cutlets. For pasta night, nothing beats this creamy chicken pasta dish that everyone adores.
No matter which recipe you try next, remember that cooking is about creating memories around the table. These homemade chicken tenders are just the beginning of your culinary journey. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the best way to cook chicken tenders?
The best way to cook chicken tenders is baking them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This method creates perfectly crispy baked chicken breast strips without the extra oil of frying. For extra crunch, use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation all around.
What is the difference between chicken strips and chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders refer specifically to the tenderloin cut underneath the breast, while strips can be cut from any part of the chicken. Tenders are more tender and uniform in shape, making them ideal for these juicy homemade tenders with dipping sauce. Strips might vary more in thickness and texture.
Are chicken tenders just chicken breasts?
Chicken tenders are not exactly the same as chicken breasts. They’re actually a specific muscle called the pectoralis minor that runs along the underside of the breast. This cut is more tender and cooks faster, which is why it’s perfect for quick family dinner ideas like this recipe.
Why do they call them chicken tenders?
They’re called chicken tenders because of their exceptionally tender texture compared to other cuts. The term refers to both the specific tenderloin cut and the prepared food. According to Chicken Tenders Definition, this popular comfort food gained its name from its delicate, easy-to-eat quality that both kids and adults love.
More Family Favorites To Try
If you loved these homemade chicken tenders, here are more comforting recipes that always bring everyone to the table.
Each dish carries that same homemade warmth and flavor that turns simple ingredients into cherished meals.
– Classic Chicken Nuggets – Perfectly golden bites that kids adore, with a secret ingredient for extra crunch. – Honey BBQ Chicken – Sweet and smoky grilled goodness that’s perfect for summer gatherings. – Juicy Chicken Burgers – Loaded with herbs and served with your favorite toppings. – Zesty Lemon Chicken – Bright, citrusy flavors that make weeknights feel special. – Cilantro Lime Chicken – Fresh and tangy with a kick of Southwest flair. – Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast – Simple, juicy, and perfect for salads, sandwiches, or eating straight off the grill.
