Delicious homemade Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe - easy recipe with step-by-step instructions

Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these homemade chicken tenders are a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these tenders are marinated in buttermilk for extra tenderness and coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture for that perfect crunch.

⏱️
20
min prep time
🔥
20
min cook time
🍽️
4
servings
📊
easy
difficulty

🛒Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

🔧Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large bowl
  • 3 shallow dishes
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Plate

📝Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

  2. 2

    In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.

  3. 3

    In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with the water.

  4. 4

    In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

  5. 5

    Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.

  6. 6

    Dip each tender in the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.

  7. 7

    In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  8. 8

    Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  9. 9

    Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  10. 10

    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

🥗Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 450

🏷️Recipe Tags

chickentendersfriedeasyfamily-friendlyquick

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

How can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

To make gluten-free chicken tenders, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs.

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