There’s something magical about crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders that can bring smiles to any dinner table. But these aren’t just any chicken tenders — these are Crack Chicken Tenders, a recipe so deliciously addictive that you’ll find yourself craving them again and again. The first bite greets you with a flavorful crunch, followed by juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned breading. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or just to treat yourself, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

This recipe is special because it combines the nostalgic comfort of classic chicken tenders with an upgraded twist. The seasoning blend and breadcrumb coating take them to the next level, creating a dish that’s crispy on the outside and mouth-wateringly juicy on the inside. Perfectly paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are a hit with picky eaters and make for a fantastic weeknight meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a party or a cozy dinner, everyone will rave about these crunchy, savory tenders.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
• Versatile: Serve them as a main dish with sides, chop them up into a salad, or use them in wraps.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup crushed cornflakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders

This recipe is a delightful blend of crispy textures and savory flavors. Let’s dive in step by step so you can whip up this addictive treat with ease.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Start by setting up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.Pro Tip: Crushing the cornflakes into fine crumbs helps create that extra crunch in your breading. You can use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to crush them quickly.
2. Bread the Chicken Tenders:
   Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well. Dip each tender into the flour first, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the egg mixture. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.Personal Note: My kids love helping out with the breading process—it’s messy but so much fun! Plus, they take so much pride in “making dinner.”
3. Prepare for Baking or Air Frying:
   Place the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking. Drizzle or spray them lightly with olive oil to ensure a golden crust. For air frying, arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
4. Cook to Perfection:
   • Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tenders for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
   • Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   Keep an eye on the tenders—they’re done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Remove the tenders from the oven or air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.Sensory Detail: The aroma of seasoned breadcrumbs and roasted cornflakes will fill your kitchen as these cook to perfection. When you bite into one, you’ll first experience the crispy crunch, followed by the juicy, flavorful chicken.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether you’re baking or air frying, make sure the tenders have enough space to crisp up properly.
• For Extra Crunch: Double-dip! Repeat the breading process if you want a thicker, crunchier coating.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to spice up the breadcrumb mixture with cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan for a personalized touch.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking or Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Kid-friendly

Notes

• This recipe is highly adaptable! You can substitute the chicken tenders with boneless chicken breasts cut into strips.
• These tenders taste amazing as leftovers. Simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispy texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 640mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, bake or air fry as directed.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders?
Absolutely! After breading, lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces work best?
Classic ranch, tangy honey mustard, or smoky barbecue sauce are all excellent choices. For a spicy kick, try buffalo sauce or Sriracha mayo.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To keep them crispy, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other crispy, comforting dishes:

• Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken tender. These Crack Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of simple ingredients, crunchy coating, and juicy chicken that makes them unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them up for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations — I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!

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