Crispy Golden Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Golden breaded chicken strips with buttermilk marinade, crispy panko coating, and classic dipping sauces

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb chicken breast fillets, cut into strips

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ Breading

07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ For Frying

13 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ To Serve

14 - Barbecue sauce
15 - Honey-mustard sauce

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced tenderness.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: combine flour with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in the first; beat eggs in the second; place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in flour mixture, dip into beaten eggs, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
04 - Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches in a deep skillet. Heat to 350°F over medium-high heat.
05 - Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 - Plate hot chicken tenders alongside barbecue sauce and honey-mustard sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Incredibly Crispy: The panko breading ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Juicy & Tender: Marinating in buttermilk makes the chicken exceptionally moist and flavorful.
  • Quick & Easy: With simple steps and a total time of just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight meal.
02 -
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
  • Use a Wire Rack: Draining the cooked tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels helps keep the bottom from getting soggy.
  • Marination Matters: For the most tender chicken, let it marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes.
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