Looking for something easy but tasty before the big holiday cooking spree? I’ve got ya! I got addicted to these a few months ago and I do enjoy them with a sweet and hot spicy sriracha sauce. And now, my husband’s into them, too! They really are the best chicken tenders….so here are a few options, including a healthier one AND a gluten-free recipe. something for everyone.

🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders (Better Than Restaurant!)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup all-purpose flour OR gluten-free flour

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch) OR gluten-free bread crumbs

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan (adds flavor to coating)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate for Maximum Juiciness

• Mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

• Add chicken, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).

2. Set Up a Breading Station

• Bowl 1: Flour + a pinch of salt and pepper

• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

• Bowl 3: Panko + optional Parmesan

3. Bread the Chicken

• Shake off excess marinade.

• Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then panko. Press to adhere.

🍳 Cooking Options:

A. Pan-Fried (Most Flavorful)

• Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.

• Drain on paper towels.

B. Baked (Healthier Option)

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Spray lightly with oil or cooking spray.

• Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

C. Air-Fried (Crispy + Lower Fat)

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Lightly spray with oil for max crisp.

🍯 Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Honey mustard

• Ranch

• BBQ sauce

• Spicy sriracha mayo

🍗 Gluten-Free Crispy Best Chicken Tenders

Ingredients (Gluten-Free Version):

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast strips

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure work well)

• 1 cup gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs (Aleia’s and Kikkoman GF panko are good options)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan (naturally gluten-free, adds flavor and crunch)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Add chicken, coat well, and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for juiciness).

2. Prep the Gluten-Free Breading Station

• Bowl 1: Gluten-free flour + a pinch of salt and pepper

• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

• Bowl 3: GF panko + optional Parmesan

3. Bread the Chicken

• Remove from marinade, shake off excess.

• Coat in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to stick.

🍳 Cooking Methods:

A. Pan-Fried

• Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high.

• Cook tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F).

• Drain on paper towels.

B. Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 425°F.

• Place tenders on parchment-lined sheet, spray lightly with oil.

• Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

C. Air-Fried

• Preheat to 400°F.

• Lightly spray tenders with oil.

• Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

🥣 Great Gluten-Free Dipping Sauces:

• Honey mustard (check label)

• Ranch (Hidden Valley Original is GF)

• GF BBQ sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s)

• Homemade sriracha mayo (use GF mayo + sriracha)