Go Back
+ servings
3 simple 'hacks' to make homemade chicken tenders juicy and full of flavor, with a crispy coating that doesn't get gummy.
Print Recipe Add to Collection
No ratings yet

3 Genius Ways to Level Up Homemade Chicken Tenders

3 simple 'hacks' to make homemade chicken tenders juicy and full of flavor, with a crispy coating that doesn't get gummy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Dinner, Kid-Friendly
Keyword: chicken tenders, kid-friendly
Servings: 4
Author: Ruthy Kirwan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose white flour
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup ground parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prep Ahead:

  • Slice the boneless chicken into strips and store in a resealable bag or container.
  • Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a small resealable bag or container.
  • Stores in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Prepare From Prepped (oven baked):

  • Preheat the oven to 400*F.
  • Spray a baking rack with cooking oil, or wipe with oil, and lay it on a large sheet pan.
  • Mix the egg and mustard together in a large bowl.
  • Transfer the flour to a large bowl.
  • Place the breadrcumbs and parmesan mixture in a large bowl.
  • Dredge the chicken in flour, then the egg/mustard mix, then the parmesan/panko mix.
  • Lay the chicken strips on the baking rack as they are coated, leaving an inch or so between each piece.
  • Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating has started to crisp.

Prepare From Prepped (fried on the stovetop)

  • Heat 1 cup peanut oil in a large saute pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  • While the oil is heating, dredge the strips according to the “oven baked” instructions in Steps 3-6.
  • As the strips are coated, place them in the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browed and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Drain the strips on a paper-towel lined plate until cool enough to handle.

Make From Fresh (oven baked)

  • Preheat the oven to 400*F.
  • Spray a baking rack with cooking oil, or wipe with oil, and lay it on a large sheet pan.
  • Mix the egg and mustard together in a large bowl.
  • Transfer the flour to a large bowl.
  • Combine the breadrcumbs and parmesan mixture in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Dredge the chicken in flour, then the egg/mustard mix, then the parmesan/panko mix.
  • Lay the chicken strips on the baking rack as they are coated, leaving an inch or so between each piece.
  • Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating has started to crisp.

Make From Fresh (fried on the stovetop)

  • Heat 1 cup peanut oil in a large saute pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  • While the oil is heating, dredge the strips according to the “oven baked” instructions in Steps 3-6.
  • As the strips are coated, place them in the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browed and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Drain the strips on a paper-towel lined plate until cool enough to handle.

Notes

Note that I don’t really make chicken tenders with a “recipe”- what’s below is to be used as a general guideline for chicken tenders.