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Breaded Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Perfection

Crispy homemade chicken tenders, seasoned and breaded to golden perfection, served with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Your favorite dipping sauce (like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide.
  2. Place chicken strips between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Toss to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Set up three shallow dishes: First dish with flour, second dish with whisked eggs, and third dish with breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 1/4 inch deep.
  7. Test oil temperature with a small piece of bread; it should sizzle.
  8. Fry chicken strips in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  9. Drain cooked chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  10. Arrange cooked chicken tenders on a serving platter.
  11. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
  12. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for presentation.
  13. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature.
  • You can also bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.