Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
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Our fried chicken tenders or chicken strips recipe is so easy and good. It’s like restaurant quality! Warning, these chicken tenders are addictive!
Best Fried Chicken Tenders Juicy and Crispy
Fried chicken tenders or chicken strips made with boneless skinless chicken breasts are always super juicy, but when you coat them with Japanese panko bread crumbs, they become extra special. There’s something magical and crunchy about the panko bread crumbs when they’re fried. If you’ve ever had Japanese potato croquettes, they’re crunch comes from the delicate flakes of the panko. Now coat those bread crumbs on chicken breast cutlets and what you have is a delicious chicken tender that ‘s quick and easy. Both kids and adults will be super pleased.
Video of Crispy Fried Chicken Strips Recipe
Baked vs Fried Chicken Strips
We have an oven baked chicken tender recipe that’s healthy and delicious if you’re wanting something that’s less greasy. They’re baked in the oven and although they’re not deep fried, they’re still crunchy on the outside because of the double coat of flour. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some calories and go for something juicy, try these crispy panko fried chicken tenders. You won’t be sorry and sometimes you just need to treat yourself to something decadent chicken strips. At least these are fresh and not chicken nuggets or chicken strips that you get from a fast food chain. These homemade chicken tenders are way better. Go ahead and give them a try.
Tips for How to Make Easy Crispy Chicken Tenders or Strips
- You can buy precut chicken tenderloin strips. Or you can buy a chicken breast and cut it into thin strips that like the size and shape of tenderloins.
- We like panko Japanese style breadcrumbs because they’re really crispy. But you can use regular breadcrumbs too.
- For a keto version, use crushed pork rinds instead of panko or bread crumbs.
- We like to fry in a high flashpoint oil that’s neutral tasting like grape seed oil or canola oil. Don’t fry with olive oil because it has a low smoke point (flash point).
- Try to keep the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tenders may get soggy & oily. And if too hot, the crust may burn before the center is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer is great to regulate the oil temperature.
- All recipe details are in the recipe box below.
What to Serve with these?
- Grilled cauliflower steaks are flavorful
- Broccoli salad with bacon is a great side dish.
- Easy air fryer French fries
- Garlic butter green beans are super easy to make and delish!
Juicy and Delicious Chicken!
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders/Strips
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh meat cut into strips
- 2 cups (480 ml) panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- salt , to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
Equipment
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into strips. Make sure they are even sized so that they cook evenly. The thicker they are, the longer they will take to cook. Season chicken strips salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Set aside.
- Put the panko bread crumbs in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Dredge chicken cutlets strips in egg, then panko bread crumbs. Press chicken cutlet into the bowl of panko bread crumbs so that they completely coat the chicken cutlet. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
- In large frying pan, heat about 1/4-inch of oil to about 375°F. An instant-read thermometer is great to regulate oil temp. Do not let oil get too hot or else the chicken strips will burn on outside and still be raw on inside. When the oil is hot, add the coated chicken in a single layer.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides and until the chicken is fully cooked in the center, about 3-5 minutes, depending on oil temperature and how big the chicken is cut.
- Serve warm with your favorite dip: ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce or ranch dressing.
Video
Nutrition Information
More Easy Recipes:
- Try these crisp Doritos crusted chicken strips in the air fryer.
- Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- More Chicken Appetizer Recipes, Fried Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Breast Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon.
- Check out all our chicken tenders or chicken strips recipes here.
This recipe was originally published in 2016.
15 Comments on “Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders”
Wow, it took me 30 years to get it right. thank you so much. I did flour my tenderloins first, dredge in egg and some i used panko and some i used seasoned bread crumbs. I will never ever do these a different way, there is simply no reason to. My suggestion- Dont Crowd The Pan. It’s as simple as that. Done!
This was the best chicken strips I have ever had and I should know I’m a chicken strip. I have had my fair share of chicken strips and this by far is the best recipe.
Hi Ben, this is an honor! Thank you. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Great quick and easy recipe with good crisp and flavor in the fry pan
thank you Mark!