Pin It Discover the secret to perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders right in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers golden-brown strips that are a guaranteed hit with everyone, perfect for a fun family dinner, a party snack, or a satisfying main course. Forget takeout – homemade is the way to go for flavor that can't be beaten.
Pin It What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
The magic of these chicken tenders lies in the three-step breading process. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s what creates that restaurant-quality crust that locks in moisture and flavor. Let's gather our ingredients and get started.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into strips
- Marinade: 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika
- Breading: 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 large eggs, 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- For Frying: Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- To Serve: Barbecue sauce, Honey-mustard sauce
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness).
- Step 2
- Prepare breading stations: Place flour mixed with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a shallow bowl. Beat eggs in a second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Step 3
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 4
- Heat 5 cm (2 inches) of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).
- Step 5
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Step 6
- Serve hot with barbecue and honey-mustard sauces.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or dried herbs to the marinade or breading.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Oven-baked option: Place breaded strips on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serviervorschläge
Pair with fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Pin It Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken tenders! This simple recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Place breaded strips on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- → What oil temperature is best for frying?
Heat vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for evenly cooked, crispy results.
- → How do I keep them crispy?
Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately while hot for maximum crunch.
- → What dipping sauces work best?
Classic barbecue sauce, honey-mustard, ranch, or sweet chili sauce complement the crispy coating perfectly.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well. Cut into strips and adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes since dark meat takes slightly longer.
