Easy Fried Breaded Chicken Tenders

Easy Fried Breaded Chicken Tenders. This is your ultimate guide on how to cook easy-fried breaded chicken tenders. Chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food known for their crispy breading and juicy interior. Whether serving them for a family dinner, a party, or just a late-night snack, mastering the art of breading is essential. In this post, we’ll dive into the secrets of getting that breading to stick, keeping your tenders juicy, and troubleshooting common problems.

For more chicken recipes, try my Instant Pot Chicken recipe, Chicken Patty Burger, or Bone-in Air Fryer Chicken Thigh.

This Fried Chicken tenders recipe is one of my go-to meals when I am short on time. It is so simple, yet it never fails to please my family. I love that it is also perfect for lunches, so I cook a huge batch of leftovers.

I remember when we were leaving Kansas and had to drive for three days to Oregon. I made a whole batch of the see-breaded chicken tenders, and we ate them during rest stops along the highways. I still do it when we go on longer drives.

Ingredients

Making this meal is very simple and requires simple ingredients. Some ingredients are pantry staples, so it is an easy, budget-friendly meal.

• Chicken Tenders
• Homemade Chicken Seasoning
• All Purpose Flour
• Egg
• Plain Bread Crumbs

How to Get Breading to Stick to Chicken Tenders and Instructions

Getting the breading to adhere to the chicken is crucial for a perfect crispy texture. Here’s a foolproof method:

• Prepare Your Chicken: Start with clean, dry chicken tenders. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can interfere with the breading process. Season the Chicken tender with my Homemade chicken seasoning.

• Dredging Process: The classic three-step dredging method works best: Flour First: Coat the chicken tenders in all-purpose flour. This initial layer helps to create a barrier and absorb moisture.

• Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into a beaten egg mixture (you can add a splash of milk or water for extra moisture). The egg acts as a glue for the breadcrumbs.

• Breadcrumbs Last: Finally, coat the chicken in your choice of breadcrumbs (panko, regular, or crushed crackers). Press firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

• You can freeze the chicken, or you can cook them right away by frying.

Keeping Chicken Tenders Juicy When Frying

Juicy chicken tenders are the goal, and here are some tips to achieve that:

1. Brine the Chicken: Soaking your chicken tenders in a simple brine (water and salt) for 30 minutes to a few hours will help retain moisture during cooking. In this post, I immediately skipped the process and seasoned the chicken.
2. Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Cooking it just right will ensure it stays tender and juicy.
3. Temperature Control: Fry at the right temperature. Too hot oil can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Serving Ideas

1. On a Salad: Slice your chicken tenders and toss them on a fresh salad for a hearty meal.
2. In a Wrap: Roll them up in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a tasty wrap.
3. As a Slider: Use mini buns to create chicken tender sliders, adding toppings like pickles and coleslaw.
4. With Fries: Serve them with homemade or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your chicken tenders to keep them tasty:

• Storage: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the cooked tenders in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps them regain their crunch. If you want to cook the frozen raw tenders, thaw them first.
• FreezingIf you want to freeze raw breaded chicken tenders, flash freeze them on a baking sheet for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw the tender in the fridge before cooking.