Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders
Golden-brown, crispy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful herb crust, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. This chicken-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs Chicken tenders, All-purpose flour, Garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1.5 lbs Chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In another shallow dish, whisk 1 large egg with 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
- Step 3: Place 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Step 4: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Step 6: Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Johnson's Crispy Chicken Tenders?
Chicken chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.