Crispy Chicken Tenders

Golden crispy chicken tenders arranged on a white serving platter with small bowls of colorful dipping sauces (honey mustard, ranch, and BBQ) alongside, garnished with fresh parsley and served on a rustic wooden table

25 minutes

4 servings

Easy

High-ProteinKid-FriendlyComfort Food

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 cup regular breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil for frying (about 6 cups)

Optional dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce

Nutrition Facts

Per 4 servings

Calories485 kcal

Protein42 g

Carbohydrates28 g

Fat22 g

Fiber2 g

* Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken and Set Up Breading Station

Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips about 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches long. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Set up three shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme), second with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and third with combined breadcrumbs (panko and regular breadcrumbs mixed together).

Pro Tip:

Keep one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid messy fingers

Three shallow dishes lined up with seasoned flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture, with raw chicken strips on a cutting board

Heat Oil and Bread Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) using a candy thermometer. While oil heats, bread each chicken strip by dredging in flour, dipping in egg mixture, and coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere. Place breaded tenders on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Pro Tip:

Let breaded chicken rest to help coating stick better during frying

Breaded chicken tenders on a plate with oil heating in a large pot with thermometer showing 350°F

Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Carefully lower 3-4 chicken tenders into the hot oil using tongs. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove with tongs and place on a wire cooling rack set over paper towels. Season immediately with a pinch of salt while hot.

Pro Tip:

Maintain oil temperature between batches for consistent results

Golden brown chicken tenders frying in oil with some already cooling on a wire rack

Serve Hot with Dipping Sauces

Transfer the crispy chicken tenders to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Provide a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce. Garnish the platter with fresh parsley for color and serve with your favorite sides.

Pro Tip:

Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, or keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes