Crunchy Chicken Tenders (30 Minutes)

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Crispy chicken tenders are a popular and beloved dish that satisfies cravings for a crispy and flavorful chicken experience. These homemade chicken tenders are tender on the inside and perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside. They are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or as a main course paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe may just become a family favorite!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
  2. Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken tenders until they are all cooked.
  5. Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, you can double coat them by repeating the dipping and breading process. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture. To make the breading adhere better, you can let the breaded chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before frying. If you want to make a healthier version, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 591mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Pair this with...

Oven Baked Onion Rings

Start with a large sweet onion and slice it into rings, separating them gently. Now, prep a dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together some flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. And in a third, mix together breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch!) with a bit of paprika or your favorite seasonings. Dip each onion ring into the flour, ensuring it's coated, then into the egg wash, and lastly, press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's well-coated. Arrange the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spritz them lightly with cooking spray which will help achieve that golden color. Bake in a preheated oven until they're crispy and golden brown.

Oven Fries

To start, grab a couple of good-sized spuds and slice them into wedges, not too thick or thin. Now, toss them in a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and whatever seasonings you fancy - maybe some paprika, garlic powder, or even rosemary. Spread them out on a baking sheet, making sure they aren't crowded so they get crispy all around. Pop them into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Give 'em about 25-30 minutes, but flip them halfway so they get golden brown on both sides. Once they're crispy outside and soft inside, they're done! Pull them out, let them cool just a smidge, and then dive in.

Homemade Apple Sauce

Grab about 4-6 apples (mix and match varieties for fun flavors), ¾ cup water, a pinch of salt, and sugar or honey to taste. For an aromatic twist, toss in a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon. First, peel, core, and chop your apples. Throw them in a pot with the water, salt, and optional cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, letting those apples soften for 20-30 minutes. Once they’re all mushy and the kitchen smells like heaven, mash 'em up with a fork or potato masher. Sweeten if desired, and voilà, you’ve got applesauce! Serve it warm or cold.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!