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Chicken Tenders

10 servings
Harper Fleming
By Harper Fleming
April 13, 2026
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Chicken Tenders
Snacks

Chicken Tenders

By Clara Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Total40 min
Serves4
Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken Tenders

As a h​ome cook, I've always been on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and packed with protein. Chicken tenders are a staple in many households, but they can often be dry and flavorless. That's why I've developed a recipe for chicken tenders that are not only tender and juicy but also full of flavor.

I remember the first time I made chicken tenders from scratch. I was amazed at how easy it was to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The key is to use a combination of marinades and coatings to lock in moisture and add flavor. In this recipe, we'll use a simple marinade made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, followed by a coating of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that's also healthy and delicious. The chicken tenders are made with lean protein and can be served with a variety of sides, such as salads, vegetables, or whole grains. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent looking for a meal that your kids will love, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So, let's get started! In this recipe, we'll cover the basics of making chicken tenders from scratch, including how to marinate and coat the chicken, and how to cook it to perfection. We'll also discuss some variations and substitutions that you can make to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can use different types of chicken, such as breasts or thighs, and you can also add your own favorite herbs and spices to the marinade. Additionally, you can serve the chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
  • Can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices
  • Perfect for a quick and easy meal
  • Can be served with a variety of sides, such as salads or vegetables
  • High in protein and low in fat
  • Can be made in advance and reheated as needed

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great chicken tenders is to use a combination of marinades and coatings to lock in moisture and add flavor. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, while the coating helps to create a crispy exterior. In this recipe, we'll use a simple marinade made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, followed by a coating of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

The type of chicken you use is also important. I recommend using chicken breasts or tenders, as they are lean and tender. You can also use chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Additionally, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it, as this will help the coating adhere better.

Another important factor is the cooking temperature and time. Chicken tenders should be cooked at a medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will help to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts or tenders, olive oil, garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt and pepper. Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for chicken, look for breasts or tenders that are lean and tender. You can also use chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Additionally, make sure to choose a good quality parmesan cheese, as it will add a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or tendersLook for lean and tender chicken breasts or tenders. You can also use chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a good quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and a high smoke point.
  • 3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its flavor and aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thymeUse fresh herbs to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter coating.
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheeseChoose a good quality parmesan cheese that is rich and nutty.
  • 1 teaspoon saltUse a flaky sea salt or kosher salt to add depth and texture to the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper to add a sharp and peppery flavor.
  • 1 egg, beatenUse a large egg that is fresh and has a good texture.
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flourUse all-purpose flour to help the coating adhere to the chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnishUse fresh parsley to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Ingredients for Chicken Tenders

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardKnifeInstant-read thermometerLarge skillet or sauté pan

How to Make Chicken Tenders

  1. 1
    In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Add the chicken breasts or tenders and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. 2
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  3. 3
    In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
  4. 4
    Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick.
  5. 5
    Heat about 1/2 inch (1cm) of oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few pieces of the coated chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. 6
    Transfer the cooked chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
  7. 7
    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
  8. 8
    Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
  9. 9
    To make ahead, prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.
  10. 10
    To reheat, bake the cooked chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
  11. 11
    To add some extra flavor, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the marinade, or using different types of cheese or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture.
  12. 12
    To make the dish more substantial, serve the chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it, as this will help the coating adhere better.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the texture of the coating.
  • To add some extra crunch, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • To make the dish more substantial, serve the chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to find your favorite combination.
  • Try using different types of protein, such as chicken thighs or pork tenders, for a variation on the recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not patting the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it, which can affect the texture of the coating.
  • Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the texture of the coating.
  • Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can affect the safety and quality of the dish.
  • Not using a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
  • Not letting the chicken rest before serving, which can affect the texture and juiciness of the meat.
  • Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and quality of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Try using different types of cheese or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to find your favorite combination.
  • Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken thighs or pork tenders, for a variation on the recipe.
  • Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor.
  • Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, for a variation on the recipe.
  • Try using a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a variation on the recipe.
  • Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch.
  • Try using a different type of coating, such as a spicy cornflake coating or a crispy potato chip coating, for a variation on the recipe.

What to Serve With Chicken Tenders

Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a more substantial meal.

Some other ideas for serving the chicken tenders include:

Serving them in a sandwich or wrap, with your favorite fillings such as lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Serving them as a snack or appetizer, with a side of celery sticks or carrot sticks.

Serving them as a main course, with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoliServe in a sandwich or wrap with your favorite fillingsServe as a snack or appetizer with a side of celery sticks or carrot sticksServe as a main course with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the chicken tenders, let them cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating or freezing them. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the chicken tenders, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Some tips for storing and reheating the chicken tenders include:

Letting them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them, to prevent moisture from building up and affecting the texture of the coating.

Storing them in an airtight container, to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Reheating them in a single layer, to prevent them from steaming instead of crisping up.

Not overcrowding the pan when reheating them, to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and affecting the texture of the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for chicken tenders?

The best type of chicken for chicken tenders is chicken breasts or tenders. You can also use chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

How do I ensure the chicken tenders are cooked to a safe internal temperature?

To ensure the chicken tenders are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken tenders ahead of time. Prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.

How do I reheat the chicken tenders?

To reheat the chicken tenders, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Can I customize the recipe with different seasonings or coatings?

Yes, you can customize the recipe with different seasonings or coatings. Try using different types of cheese or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture, or adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the chicken tenders from becoming dry or tough?

To prevent the chicken tenders from becoming dry or tough, make sure to not overcook them. Cook them until they reach a safe internal temperature, then let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also try adding some moisture to the marinade, such as yogurt or buttermilk, to help keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Can I use different types of oil for frying the chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use different types of oil for frying the chicken tenders. Some good options include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point, as this will help prevent the oil from burning or smoking during cooking.

How do I prevent the breadcrumb coating from falling off the chicken tenders?

To prevent the breadcrumb coating from falling off the chicken tenders, make sure to press the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick. You can also try dipping the chicken in a little bit of egg or butter before coating it with the breadcrumbs, as this will help the crumbs adhere better.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders

Make protein-forward chicken tenders that taste like dinner, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for a quick and easy meal

Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Total40 min
Serves4
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or tenders
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Add the chicken breasts or tenders and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick.
  5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1cm) of oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few pieces of the coated chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. Transfer the cooked chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
  8. Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
  9. To make ahead, prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.
  10. To reheat, bake the cooked chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
  11. To add some extra flavor, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the marinade, or using different types of cheese or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture.
  12. To make the dish more substantial, serve the chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

350Calories
35gProtein
20gCarbs
15gFat