Crispy chicken tenders are a tasty snack or dinner any day of the week!
This chicken tenders recipe uses fresh chicken tenderloins or sliced breasts coated in seasoned breading and then pan-fried to crispy perfection!

Love at First Crunch!
- Flavor: Lightly seasoned with a crunchy outside and tender chicken.
- Difficulty: These are easy to make but take a bit of time to prepare.
- Technique: Double dipping the chicken makes it extra crunchy – let the breading rest for a few minutes before frying if time allows.
- Important: Fry the tenders in small batches to keep the oil hot and avoid overcrowding. Salt immediately after removing from the oil.
- Prep tip: Place the bowls of flour and crumbs on a rimmed baking tray, it makes for easier cleanup.
- Serving suggestions: Dip and dunk them in your favorite sauce or dressing, or try the one honey garlic sauce in the notes (it’s so good!).
Ingredient Tips For Chicken Tenders
- Chicken: Use either chicken chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If using frozen chicken, thaw and pat dry so the breading sticks well.
- Egg: The egg helps the crumbs stick to the chicken.
- Flour: Flour is the base of the coating, while the Panko crumbs add some extra crunch.
Variations: Switch up the seasoning and make a new recipe every time! Try a spicy adobo blend or a zesty Cajun.
Storage and Leftovers
- Keep leftover chicken tenders in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Enjoy cold in a wrap or slice them and top a green salad.
- Fried chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months.
- Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave them, then pop them under the broiler to get them crispy again.
More Ways to Cook Chicken Tenders
Did your family love these Chicken Tenders? Leave us a rating and a comment below.
Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless chicken breasts sliced into ½-inch strips
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large eggs more if needed
- 3 tablespoons water
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Dab the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
- Working with half of the flour mixture at a time, dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture and then in the flour. Dip it into the egg a second time and then the flour again to double-coat it. Gently press the flour into the chicken. Shake off any excess. Place on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken. If time allows, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
- In a large deep skillet, heat 1-inch of oil to 350°F. Fry chicken in small batches until crispy and the chicken reaches 165°F, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- Serve with honey garlic sauce or your favorite dips.
Video
Notes
- Flour Mixture: When working with the flour mixture, I find it helps to work with just half of the mixture at a time, to prevent the flour from getting clumped or wet.
- Chicken: If using boneless chicken breasts, slice them ½-inch thick.
- Honey Garlic Sauce for dipping or drizzling (optional): In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup water, ¼ cup soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, ½ teaspoon chili flakes. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and cool before serving.
- Nutrition will vary. Information provided is an estimate and includes 10% oil absorption and ⅔ of the breading mixture.
- Nutrition information does not include optional sauce.
- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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can you air fry this chicken tender recipe?
Hi Sarah, to cook them in the air fryer I would follow this recipe! Hope that helps.
This was really good, i did add extra chili flakes, extra soy and a little more ginger, I felt like it needed a little more spice. If you follow the recipe exactly it’s definitely on the sweeter side. Either way it was pretty good
Thank for trying our recipe, Krystal! I am glad you enjoyed it.
I made it! Delicious!
I love all your recipes!!
I have been wanting to try these for my kids. Can I make them in the air fryer? Do I need to make any modifications to the recipe or prep? Thanks!
Hi Jackie, to cook them in the air fryer I would follow this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe! Hope that helps.
This was really delicious! The whole family loved it. We will definitely be making this again!