Chicken Tenders

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Crispy chicken tenders are made with boneless chicken breast and a light crispy breading. These tenders will be your new favorite way to eat chicken! 

Chicken strips are still one of my daughter’s favorite things to order when we go out.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the only thing she orders. She has a wide variety of tastes, but I think this is what she orders when she wants comfort food. I decided to make chicken strips, or chicken tenders last weekend. 

Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders, also called chicken strips are made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can buy strips already cut into small pieces or you can buy chicken breasts, flatten them out and cut into your own strips. I’ve made these fairly simple with the breading just being flour, panko bread crumbs for extra crunch and seasonings. To make it all stick to the chicken, I used milk and eggs.

Fried

Yep, I fried these chicken tenders. I wanted the crispiest coating I could get and so I went for frying. Don’t worry about these being greasy though. If you fry at the right temperature, the oil does its job and it’s not absorbed into the coating. If you have really greasing chicken, it’s because the oil was too cool. 

Are you wanting baked chicken strips? I have a recipe for baked chicken nuggets that are delicious. 

What type of sauce do I serve with chicken nuggets?

Pick your favorite:

• Barbecue Sauce
• Apricot Pepper Sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Blue Cheese Dressing

How long do chicken strips last?

I like these best when they are served hot and fresh. But I have refrigerated leftovers and eaten them cold the next day. My kids like to take the leftovers and reheat in the microwave. Leftover chicken strips are good for up to 3 days if refrigerated. 

How do I make chicken tenders?

1. Pound chicken breast flat so it is a consistent size
2. Cut into strips
3. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel
4. Dredge chicken into flour  
5. Dip into egg mixture
6. Dredge in flour and panko mixture
7. Fry 
8. Enjoy!
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Tips for making chicken tenders

• Try to keep tenders about the same thickness. This helps with equal cooking times
• Preheat oil to 350 degrees
• Cook strips in small batches. Do not overcrowd pan
• Make certain the temperature comes back to 350 degrees between each batch
• If needing to keep warm, place chicken strips on a baking rack on top of a baking sheet in a 250 degree oven until ready to serve

What to serve with chicken strips?

• Tomato Soup
• Caesar Salad
• Couscous Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Fresh cut veggies with hummus

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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my Chicken Recipes.

5 from 4 votes

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Chicken Tenders

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

 

Crispy Chicken Tenders made with a light breading of flour, panko crumbs and seasonings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken strips, Chicken tenders

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 434 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 chicken breast

Flour Coating

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Egg Coating

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Breading

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking

• 2 cups oil canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Chicken

1. Pound chicken breast flat so it is a consistent size

2. Cut into strips. Pat chicken dry with a paper towe;

Breading

1. Combine flour and salt together in on bowl

2. Combine eggs and milk in another bowl

3. Combine additional flour, salt, panko crumbs, and seasonings in a third bow

Assemble Chicken

1. Dredge chicken into flour  

2. Dip into egg mixture
   

3. Dredge in flour and panko mixture

Cook

1. Preheat oil to 350 degrees

2. Add 3-4 chicken strips to hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Remove and place on a paper towel

4. Bring oil back to 350 degrees and continue cooking

Recipe Notes

Tips for making chicken tenders

• Try to keep tenders about the same thickness. This helps with equal cooking times
• Preheat oil to 350 degrees
• Cook strips in small batches. Do not overcrowd pan
• Make certain the temperature comes back to 350 degrees between each batch
• If needing to keep warm, place chicken strips on a baking rack on top of a baking sheet in a 250 degree oven until ready to serve

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Tenders

Amount Per Serving (3 strips)

Calories 434 Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 116mg39%

Sodium 1088mg47%

Potassium 533mg15%

Carbohydrates 32g11%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 31g62%

Vitamin A 389IU8%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 60mg6%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.