Homemade Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, offering a crispy, golden coating and tender, juicy chicken inside. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these chicken tenders are easy to make, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and much healthier than store-bought versions. Whether served with a dipping sauce or alongside your favorite sides, these homemade tenders will quickly become a family favorite.

I first made these tenders on a cozy weekend when I was craving something hearty and satisfying. The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of frying chicken, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can season the breadcrumbs with whatever spices you like, from classic garlic powder and paprika to something a bit more adventurous like cumin or chili powder. The result is always perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

What’s even better is how simple these tenders are to make. With just a few basic ingredients and a quick frying method, you can have a batch ready in no time. Whether you’re serving them with a classic ranch dip, honey mustard, or a homemade barbecue sauce, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit at your next family meal or gathering!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Kid-friendly meals
• Game day snacks
• Meal prep
• Quick weeknight meals

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Tenders

Here’s why Homemade Chicken Tenders will become your go-to recipe:

• Crispy Coating: The seasoned breadcrumb coating provides the perfect crunch, while the chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, from classic flavors to spicier or herb-infused options.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, you can easily prepare these tenders without any complicated steps or special equipment.
• Healthy Option: These tenders are made with lean chicken breast and can be baked for a lighter version or fried for a more indulgent treat.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love these crispy tenders, and they’re perfect for dipping in sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Homemade Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed chicken breasts are the perfect base for tenders, providing a juicy, tender bite.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs for a slightly finer texture.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other herbs create a flavorful coating that complements the chicken.
• Eggs and Flour: These are essential for the dredging process, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken for a crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Homemade Chicken Tenders:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, making sure the pieces are even in size to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to ensure the chicken has some flavor on its own before coating.

Set Up the Dredging Stations:

3. Prepare the Flour: In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other seasonings you like.

Coat the Chicken:

6. Dredge the Chicken: Start by dipping each chicken strip into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Set aside on a plate or tray.

Cook the Chicken:

7. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer, cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. OR Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the chicken strips lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serve:

8. Serve: Serve the homemade chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch, or a spicy buffalo sauce.
• On a Salad: Add the chicken tenders to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
• With Fries: Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic, comforting meal.
• As a Sandwich: Place the tenders on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a tasty chicken tender sandwich.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh vegetable salad to balance the meal.

Additional Tips for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Here are some tips to ensure your Homemade Chicken Tenders are perfect every time:

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crunchiest coating, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended. They create an extra-crisp texture.
• Double Dipping: For an even thicker coating, you can dip the chicken strips back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs for a double layer.
• Rest the Chicken After Coating: After coating the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before frying or baking. This will help the coating stick better during cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a more earthy flavor.

Recipe Variations for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Here are 10 variations you can try for Homemade Chicken Tenders:

• Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders: After cooking, toss the tenders in a mixture of melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, garlicky flavor.
• Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders: Substitute half of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Toss the cooked tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy variation.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders: Serve the tenders with a honey mustard dipping sauce or drizzle honey mustard over the top after baking.
• Cheddar-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Mix grated cheddar cheese into the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy coating.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders: Add lemon zest and cracked black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Cajun Chicken Tenders: Use Cajun seasoning in place of the paprika and garlic powder for a bold, Southern flavor.
• Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders: For a healthier version, dip the tenders in olive oil and bake them at a high temperature to get a crispy result without frying.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Add finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Homemade Chicken Tenders

• Freezing: After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop to retain their crispness.

Special Equipment for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Homemade Chicken Tenders easier:

• Shallow Bowls: Use shallow bowls for the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to make the dredging process easier.
• Non-stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will help you achieve a crispy coating while making cleanup easier when frying.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Tongs: Use tongs for flipping the chicken strips without disturbing the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, baking the tenders at 400°F (200°C) will yield a crispy result with less oil. Be sure to spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.

Can I prepare the chicken tenders in advance?
Yes, you can coat the chicken tenders and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before cooking. This allows the coating to set and results in a crispier crust.

Can I make a large batch and freeze them?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken tenders and reheat them later for a quick meal.

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Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Tenders are a fun, easy, and delicious dish that everyone will love. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these tenders are the perfect comfort food. Whether you bake or fry them, serve with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a larger meal, these chicken tenders are sure to satisfy.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is tasty, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or serving them at a party, these chicken tenders will be a hit with everyone.

I’d love to see how your Homemade Chicken Tenders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!