7 Tasty Chicken Tender Recipes to Test Out in 2024

Explore new culinary territories with chicken tenders. These aren't just a staple for children; they offer a versatile, quick protein option that adults eagerly enjoy too. High in protein and enriched with essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B6, chicken tenders can be a nutritious part of any diet. 

To stretch your budget further, consider using chicken breasts as a cost-effective alternative. Balance is key to enjoying them healthily. Although deep-frying is tempting, baking or grilling keeps the health advantages intact while still delivering that much-loved crispy texture.

Dive into some inventive chicken tender recipes you can try out today. You’ll find a selection of easy recipes that incorporate exotic spices and fresh marinades, designed to expand your culinary horizons and fit smoothly into your schedule. Keep reading to discover your family's next favorite dish!

1. Classic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients 📃

• 500 g chicken tenderloins

• 1 egg

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup buttermilk (divided)

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Seasoning (divided)

• ½ tsp baking powder

• Oil, for frying

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Season the tenderloins and coat in a mix of ½ cup of buttermilk and hot sauce (adjust sauce to taste) then refrigerate for at least half an hour. Remove chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before you start the battering process.

2. Whisk the egg and ¼ cup of buttermilk in a medium bowl. 

3. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, and seasoning together in a large bowl.

4. Take each tender from the buttermilk and hot sauce mix and allow excess to drip off. Dust each one lightly in the flour mix.

5. Now dip each tender in the egg and buttermilk mix followed by the flour mix. Make sure they are well coated in flour to get them extra crispy.

6. Heat your frying oil to 365 degrees and fry the tenders in batches for 8 to 10 minutes each. 

7. When cooked (cut a tender to check) remove from the oil and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Overview

This classic chicken tenders recipe delivers crispy, flavorful bites every time. Opt for chicken breast instead of tenderloins to cut costs without sacrificing taste. Using an oil thermometer helps fry each piece perfectly.

You can adjust the hot sauce and seasonings in the marinade to suit your taste, making the tenders as mild or spicy as you like. For added variety, toss the fried tenders in different sauces like honey garlic or buffalo.

To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking. They should only need 8 to 10 minutes in the oil. Removing them once they turn golden ensures they remain perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside.

2. Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients 📃

• 500 g chicken tenderloins

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup parmesan cheese

• Oil spray

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp mayo

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Seasoning

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 390 degrees F, spread panko onto an oiled baking sheet, and bake for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Transfer the baked breadcrumbs to a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese.

3. Mix the egg, mayo, mustard, flour, and seasoning in a bowl and whisk to combine the batter mix.  

4. Coat the chicken tenders in the batter mix then use tongs to dip each piece to the panko breadcrumb/cheese mix.

5. Place the coated tenders onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.  

Overview

This oven-baked chicken tenders recipe uses panko breadcrumbs, which are key to achieving that superb crunch we all love. The panko is first toasted in the oven, enhancing its crispy texture before being mixed with Parmesan cheese for an added depth of flavor. 

To keep the preparation process clean and efficient, using tongs to handle the chicken is advisable. This method helps you avoid the common mess of breadcrumb-coated fingers, making the coating process smoother and keeping your kitchen tidy.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a fun one to make with kids. They can help mix the batters, coat the chicken, and watch as their creations turn golden and crispy in the oven. It's a wonderful way to involve them in the kitchen with tasks that are simple and safe for little hands.

3. Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients 📃

• 500 g chicken tenders

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter (divided)

• 2 tsp paprika

• Seasoning

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Dried herbs 

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Melt 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a skillet on a medium heat.

2. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and sprinkle with seasoning and paprika.

3. Cook the tenders for 3 minutes on each side before adding the garlic, dried herbs, and remaining butter to the skillet.

4. Cook for 30 seconds (so you don’t burn the garlic).

5. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to deglaze it and make sure you get all the flavors, then serve.

Overview

This garlic chicken tenders recipe is a healthier option compared to deep-fried alternatives, using minimal olive oil and butter. It's quick to cook, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner alongside pasta or fries.

The recipe is speedy, allowing you to whip up a tasty meal in around 20 minutes. Pair the tenders with pasta or fries for a satisfying, easy dinner.

To enhance the dish, add sliced onions or mushrooms to the skillet. These additions enrich the sauce, especially when deglazed with water, capturing all the flavorful bits for a delicious finish.

4. Soy-Marinated Chicken Tenders

Ingredients 📃

• 8 chicken tenders

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• ⅓ cup flour and cornstarch blend

• Oil

• 1 tsp furikake (Japanese seasoning)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with the soy sauce and marinate (turning occasionally) for 10 minutes.

2. Place the flour and cornstarch blend on a plate and coat the marinated chicken pieces in the flour before transferring to a separate plate.

3. Heat oil in a large pan and cook the coated chicken for 3 minutes on each side.

4. Sprinkle the crispy tenders with furikake to serve.

Overview

Ideal for entertaining, this recipe stands out with its unique approach to chicken tenders. Guests will appreciate the distinct flavors and the light yet satisfying nature of the dish, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Marinated in soy sauce and coated with a blend of flour and cornstarch, these tenders are pan-fried until crispy. To enhance the flavor profile, sprinkle them with furikake, a Japanese seasoning, right before serving. Try pairing with a red cabbage slaw and roast potatoes as pictured above in Blue Apron’s serving suggestion.

For an added twist, serve these crispy chicken tenders with a side of hoisin-seasoned mayo. This alternative to traditional mayo brings a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory notes of the soy marinade.

5. Coconut Chicken Tenders 

Ingredients 📃

• 20 oz chicken cutlets

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup shredded coconut

• Seasoning

• 6 tbsp sour cream

• Oil, for frying

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the sour cream with 4 tbsp of water.

3. Mix the breadcrumbs and coconut on another plate.

4. Slice the chicken into strips (3-4 per cutlet) then coat in the seasoned flour, dip in the sour cream, then press into the breadcrumb/coconut mix.

5. Heat ½ inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and fry coated chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side before draining on a paper-towel.

Overview

This coconut chicken tenders recipe is a grown-up take on a childhood favorite, featuring a crispy, slightly sweet coating of breadcrumbs and shredded coconut. The sour cream in the batter enhances the flavor, adding a rich tanginess that pairs well with the coconut.

Using tongs during the dipping and coating process helps keep your hands clean and ensures each chicken strip is evenly coated, making the preparation quicker and tidier.

Serve these tenders with rice and quick pickled cucumbers as shown in HelloFresh’s recipe above. The crisp, tangy cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy chicken, creating a balanced and visually appealing dish.

6. Healthy Chicken Tenders

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ⅓ cup ground almonds (or chopped for extra crunch)

• 2 eggs

• ⅓ cup flour

• Seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 5 tsp oil

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F and brush a large baking sheet with oil.

2. Mix flour with seasoning on a large plate and beat eggs in a shallow dish.

3. Mix breadcrumbs, ground almonds, paprika, and garlic powder in another bowl. Drizzle oil over the mixture and stir with a fork to coat the crumbs.

4. Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg, and press into the breadcrumb mix to coat before transferring to the baking sheet.

5. Bake the breaded tenders until the chicken is cooked through for 20 to 25 minutes.

Overview

This healthy chicken tenders recipe offers a crunchy, flavorful alternative to fried tenders. It uses a mix of panko breadcrumbs and ground almonds. Baked in the oven, these tenders are lower in fat, making them a healthier choice. Drizzling oil over the breadcrumb mixture before coating ensures each tender is evenly crispy.

For a gluten-free version, simply replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, making this dish accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. Serve these tenders with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced, nutritious meal.

Feel free to experiment with spices to customize the flavor. Switching to smoked paprika or adding spices like cayenne or cumin can give these tenders a unique twist, keeping your meals interesting and tailored to your taste preferences.

7. Super Crispy Chicken Tenders

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

• Seasoning

• 1 packet dry ramen noodles

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ⅓ cup flour

• 1 cup milk

• Ramen seasoning packet

• Oil for deep frying

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Optional step: Prepare the chicken by seasoning then leaving in the fridge uncovered for 4 hours on the bottom shelf. Remove from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.

2. In a bowl, crush the ramen noodles into breadcrumb-sized pieces.

3. Mix the cornstarch and baking powder on a plate.

4. Whisk the flour, milk, and ramen seasoning in a large bowl.

5. Dip each tender into the cornstarch, followed by the wet mixture, and the crushed ramen noodles.

6. Add oil to a deep sided pot and heat to 350 degrees F. 

7. Fry the coated tenders in batches until golden brown before draining on some paper towel.

Overview

This super crispy chicken tenders recipe features an optional dry brining step. This is where the chicken is seasoned and left uncovered in the fridge to enhance flavor and texture. This preparation deepens the tenders' taste and aids in achieving a crispier crust, though skipping this step still yields delicious results.

The unique breading uses crushed ramen noodles instead of traditional breadcrumbs, giving these tenders an extra crunchy texture. After coating the chicken in cornstarch, a milk and ramen seasoning mix, and then the crushed noodles, they're fried to golden perfection.

Serve these tenders with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful snack or meal component. They are especially suitable for gatherings, providing a crunchy, flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces.

FAQ

What’s the best dipping sauce for chicken tenders?

The best dipping sauce for chicken tenders is honey mustard. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the crispy exterior of the chicken. You can also explore other popular options like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy buffalo sauce, depending on your taste preferences.

Are chicken tenders the same as chicken strips?

Yes, chicken tenders are the same as chicken strips. Both terms refer to the tenderloin of the chicken, which is a soft, flavorful piece that is located between the 2 breast halves. It's known for its tenderness and quick cooking time.

What to serve with chicken tenders?

You can serve chicken tenders with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. Popular choices include coleslaw, French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. For a healthier option, consider steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad.

What’s the secret to cooking tender chicken?

The secret to cooking tender chicken is to marinate it before cooking and ensure it’s not overcooked. Marinating chicken in buttermilk, yogurt, or a simple mixture of herbs and spices can help tenderize the meat. Cook chicken tenders until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain juiciness.

Are chicken tenders healthier than chicken breast?

Chicken tenders can be healthier than chicken breast if cooked properly. They contain slightly less protein but are often more tender and flavorful. The key is to cook them using healthy methods like grilling or baking instead of frying to minimize unhealthy fats.