Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Panko or Breadcrumbs
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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!
How To Make 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
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 slices.
- 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.
- All recipe details are in the recipe box below.
Juicy and Delicious Chicken!
Panko Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (455g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin or flat strips
- 2 cups (480ml) panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- salt , to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast 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.
- In medium bowl, combine panko bread crumbs. In another medium 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, fill pan about 1/4 " high and heat oil temperature to about 375 degrees. Do not let oil get too not or else the chicken strips will burn on outside and still be raw on inside.
- Fry the chicken till golden brown on both sides and until the chicken is fully cooked in the center.
- Serve warm with your favorite dip: ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce or ranch dressing.
Video
Nutrition
Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
More Chicken Appetizer Recipes, Fried Chicken Recipes and Chicken Breast Recipes and Air Fryer Salmon.
This recipe was originally published in 2016 and re-published in 2019 with updated video.
10 Comments on “Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Panko or Breadcrumbs”
Um yum, the chicken looks so delicious!
I added one step into number 5. I rolled the chicken in flour before I dredged it in the egg. I found the egg and pinko stuck better.
I also added fresh grated Parmesan to the panko mix.
Tasty
Awesome, thanks! Made these a few times. Simple and delicious!
Super delish! I did the flour as recommended by another person. Fried up fast and perfect texture!!! Thank you! ( my daughter even said it looked like a restaurant 😉
This recipe is AWESOME! I did as another reader suggested and dredged in seasoned flour before dipping in egg and panko. These seriously were some of the best tenders EVER! My whole family thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Debbie! So glad you enjoyed it!
My kids love this homemade chicken tender recipe! No more fast food tenders for this family!
I love it when the tenders come out juicy. You always manage to get all your chicken recipes to perfection!
I also dredged in seasoned rice flour before dipping in egg mixture plus I marinated the chicken tenders overnight in buttermilk for really moist and tender chicken. Served with homemade green garlic ranch dressing at a party and they were all devoured!
I made this recipe tonight and as my husband said, it exceeded our expectations. I am very happy to add this to my special recipes. Thanks so much! I’m going to share on Facebook.