Dinner

Breaded Chicken Tenders: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

ByLila Prescott April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Introduction

These Breaded Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a perfect meal for the whole family. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be fried or baked depending on your preference.

The image shows a white plate filled with golden brown, crispy breaded chicken wings stacked on top of each other. The wings have a crunchy texture with small green herb bits sprinkled lightly over them, adding a touch of color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking oil (for frying or baking)

Instructions

Step 1: If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips to form tenders.
Step 2: Set up dredging stations: place flour in one bowl, whisk eggs in a second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

Step 3: Coat each chicken strip by dredging first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off; finally, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: For frying, heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5: Cook the tenders: Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, or bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Step 6: If frying, drain the chicken tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 7: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Step 8: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or dried herbs like oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
Try baking instead of frying for a healthier option with less oil.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch dressing.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly if in a hurry.