why make this recipe
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. They are juicy on the inside and have a crunchy exterior that makes them irresistible. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner, party snacks, or a fun family meal. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste.
how to make Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients :
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (about 1 cup)
Directions :
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips.
- Set up a breading station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs; in the second, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; and in the third, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. You can also pair them with a side salad, coleslaw, or fries for a complete meal. They are perfect for lunch boxes or as a snack while watching a movie.
how to store Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
To store leftovers, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for a crispy texture.
tips to make Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch; they are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different spices, like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor.
variation
You can change up the flavors by adding different spices to the flour mixture or using different types of breadcrumbs. For a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Just coat them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well and add a bit more flavor and moisture to the tenders.
Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bread the chicken ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to fry.
What is the best oil to use for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are good choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Juicy and crunchy fried chicken tenders, perfect for quick dinners or party snacks.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips.
- Set up a breading station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs; in the second, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; and in the third, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue. For storage, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg