Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner idea or the perfect chicken to pair with your pasta? Look no further than crispy panko parmesan chicken! This mouth-watering dish is sure to become a family favorite with its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior.

The key to making the perfect crispy panko parmesan chicken is in the breading. Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that are coarser and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, making them perfect for creating a crunchy coating on the chicken. To take this dish to the next level, we'll also be adding parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor and depth.

The Best Crispy Panko Parmesan Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, whisked

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Start by patting your chicken breast dry and cutting into strips.

2. Next, cut the chicken into strips and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Combine panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.

4. In another shallow dish, whisk egg.

5. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, then coat it in panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

6. Heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until it's crispy and golden brown on both sides (about 3-5 minutes on each side).

7. Serve immediately or freeze for later!

Notes:

Instructions for freezing:

1. Let your chicken tenders cool to room temperature after frying. This prevents steam (aka soggy breading) from getting trapped in the container.

2. Place tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer (not touching) and freeze for 1–2 hours. This keeps them from sticking together once stored.

3. Transfer tenders to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper.

4. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture.

Instructions for reheating:

In the oven:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place frozen tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this helps air circulate and keeps the bottom crispy).
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.

In the microwave:

1. Place 1–2 tenders on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
2. Cover with another paper towel.
3. Microwave on 50% power for 1–2 minutes, then full power for 30-second bursts until heated through.

In the air-fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the basket—no crowding!
3. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.