Best-Kept Secret Crispy Chicken Tenders

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

Juicy chicken strips coated in a golden, crunchy crust that stays crispy even after cooling. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

The sheet pan we’d roast this on → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 large beaten eggs and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
3. Step 3: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere evenly.
4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot (about 375°F). Add coated chicken strips in a single layer without crowding, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning once.
5. Step 5: Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.