Crispy and Easy Chicken Tenders Recipe for the Whole Family

This Easy Chicken Tenders recipe is a quick and delicious way to make crispy, juicy chicken strips at home. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a simple weeknight meal, these tenders are sure to be a hit. They’re golden on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces!

Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Tenders

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or swap out the breading for a gluten-free option.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little ones, and you can serve them with sides they love, like fries or veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips (about 1-inch wide)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

How To Make Easy Chicken Tenders

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch strips.
   
2. Set Up Dipping Stations:
   
   • In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
   • In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
   • In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
     
3. Coat the Chicken:
   
   • Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
4. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
   
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches.
   • Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
     
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the tenders from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Pro Tips

• Crispier Tenders: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken tenders the night before and store them in the fridge until ready to fry.
• Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How To Serve

• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
• Pair with a side of baked potatoes, a simple salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a fun twist, serve with a variety of dipping sauces for an appetizer or snack platter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 18g

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze fully cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen.

Conclusion

These Easy Chicken Tenders are a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and can be paired with a variety of sides. Let us know how they turned out, and enjoy!

FAQ Section

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yes! Chicken thighs work great for tenders too. Just adjust the cooking time as they might take a little longer.
• Can I bake the chicken tenders? Yes, baking is a healthier option. Just spray the tenders with a little oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• What can I use instead of eggs? You can substitute with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of flour for a vegan option.