Name: Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 large chicken breasts ((cut into evenly sized strips)); 2 eggs; ¼ cup milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 quart peanut oil for frying

A simple and crowd pleasing recipe for deep fried chicken tenders. Breaded, deep fried, and dunked in your favorite dipping sauce for a meal no one can resist!

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Every family has to have a recipe that everyone will eat. And your family is about to get one more. There is not a child alive who doesn’t love chicken tenders. These are about a thousand times better than the frozen ones and will be gobbled up by even the pickiest members of your family.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

A thermometer is important when you deep-fry to make sure the oil is the right temperature.

Chicken breasts frequently go on sale and can always be found for a pretty good price. Costco always has bags of Perdue chicken breasts priced well. They are in the freezer section and are individually frozen. They are very convenient because you can simply take out what you need for dinner that night.

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Equipment

Electric deep fryer (a deep pot or Dutch oven can also work)
Tongs
Baking Sheet
Paper Towels (to absorb excess oil)
2 mixing bowls
Whisk
Fryer basket
Thermometer

Ingredients

4 large chicken breasts (cut into evenly sized strips)
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (regular salt mixed with garlic powder or paprika can be a good substitute)
1 quart peanut oil for frying (This is the best one because of its high smoke point. Vegetable or canola will work, but not olive oil.)

If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Deep Fried Chicken Tenders

Step One: Preheat The Fryer

Preheat the oil in your deep fryer to 365°F. Then, line a baking sheet or large plate with paper towels to drain the chicken after frying.

Step Two: Set Up The Breading Station

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Then, mix the flour, Panko bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and seasoned salt in a large bowl.

bowl of egg mixture and bowl of flour mixture.

Step Three: Bread The Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken strip into the egg/milk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Panko/flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breading sticks well. Tap off any excess flour. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps prevent the chicken from sticking together. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes before frying to help the coating stick better.

chicken slices dipped in egg mixture then flour mixture.

Step Four: Fry The Chicken

Place the breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the fryer basket. Then, lower the basket gently into the hot oil and fry for 5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, carefully lift the basket and transfer the chicken to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

breaded chicken tenders frying in deep fryer.

Step Five: Serve Immediately

Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces for the best texture and flavor.

fried chicken tenders resting on paper towel lined baking sheet.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool completely to room temperature first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3 days.

For reheating, use a 325°F oven to keep the tenders crispy. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

To make ahead, you can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. This also helps the breading stick better. When ready to serve, fry them; they’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.

What to Serve with Deep Fried Chicken Tenders

They’re great as finger food for a party or a simple dinner.

Restaurant style French fries are perfect because the hardest part of making them is setting up the deep fryer!
There’s no need to get fancy: what about some fresh fruit or carrot sticks?
Finish off this kid friendly meal with super soft chocolate chip cookies.

More Deep Fried Recipes

Try something sweet with these deep-fried Snickers. They’re a fun dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.
Crunchy, tangy, deep-fried pickles are a perfect party food.
For spicier tender options, try deep-fried Buffalo chicken tenders or fried Cajun chicken tenders.
Have some deep-fried coconut shrimp for a seafood night or when you’re sick of chicken.