Chicken tenders are a go-to comfort food—golden, crunchy, and perfectly dip-able. But making them at home takes them to the next level: fresher, more flavorful, and fully customizable.

For Lykkers craving that satisfying crunch without the mystery ingredients, this guide walks you through a foolproof way to make crispy, tender chicken you’ll want to serve again and again.

Part 1: How to Make Chicken Tenders

Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, homemade chicken tenders hit the spot. This version is oven-baked (with an air-fry alternative), giving you all the crisp without the grease—plus, it’s easy and fun to make.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2–3)

For the Chicken:

Chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs – 400g

Salt – 2g

Black pepper – to taste

Paprika – 1 tsp

Garlic powder – 1 tsp

Plain yogurt – 60g (or buttermilk for soaking)

For the Breading:

All-purpose flour – 50g

Eggs – 2, beaten

Breadcrumbs – 100g (panko preferred for extra crunch)

Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for brushing or spraying)

Optional:

Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or yogurt dip

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

You’ll want to start by soaking your chicken in yogurt, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss everything in a bowl, making sure each piece is coated well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—it helps tenderize and adds flavor.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

Now you’ll set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs. Line them up for an easy dip-dip-dredge process.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken, dip it into the flour first (shake off any extra), then into the egg, and finally coat it generously with breadcrumbs. You’ll want to press gently so the crumbs really stick. Place each piece on a lined baking tray.

Step 4: Add a Touch of Oil

Lightly brush or spray olive oil over the breaded tenders. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake or Air-Fry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the tenders for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides crisp up evenly. If using an air fryer, cook at 190°C (375°F) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking once midway.

Step 6: Serve and Dip

Let them cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dips. The outside should be golden and crisp, while the inside stays juicy and tender.

Part 2: Let’s Talk Tenders

Why Chicken Tenders Work

Tenders are a crowd favorite because they deliver on texture, flavor, and convenience. They’re easy to portion, quick to cook, and perfect for dipping, stacking, or snacking.

Mix Up the Flavors

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, feel free to play. Add a little chili powder for heat, or mix herbs like thyme and rosemary into your breadcrumb coating. Want something tangy? Stir grated lemon zest into the yogurt marinade.

Go Gluten-Free

Need a gluten-free version? Swap flour for rice flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the process stays the same.

Serving Ideas

Chicken tenders pair well with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or simple rice. You can also slice them into wraps, pile them onto flatbreads, or tuck them into tacos with slaw and sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep and bread the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Want to freeze them? Freeze breaded but uncooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

Chicken tenders are a classic for a reason—they’re quick, comforting, and universally loved. When you make them yourself, you get all the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction with none of the mystery. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself, this recipe gives you the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside. So Lykkers, roll up your sleeves and get dipping—your golden batch awaits. Want to try a plant-based version next? Let’s fry it your way.