Alright, let’s get into it. You know those nights when you just want to eat something that screams “childhood comfort” but also tastes like you put in more than five minutes of effort? That, my friends, is where this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe swoops in like a culinary superhero in a cape made of perfectly seasoned breading. These aren’t your average, sad, frozen chicken sticks that taste suspiciously like cardboard. Oh no, these are gloriously crunchy, juicy, and so ridiculously easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with drive-thrus. Prepare yourself for pure, unadulterated chicken tender bliss that your inner child (and your actual children, probably) will adore.

My husband once, in a fit of ambitious helpfulness, decided to “pre-bread” a double batch of these tenders while I was in the other room. I came back to find him with flour up to his elbows, a kitchen counter that looked like it had been hit by a snowstorm, and a bowl of chicken that he had lovingly… *mixed* with the breading. As in, he poured all the dry ingredients right into the chicken and tried to shake it like a cocktail. We ended up with oddly clumpy, partially coated tenders and a lot of wasted flour. He just shrugged, declared it “deconstructed chicken,” and then ate them anyway. Bless his heart. At least the kids thought it was hilarious.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

🍗

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Because “cooking” doesn’t have to mean “losing your will to live.” This is easy, I promise, even for those of us who regularly burn toast.
It’s basically a scientific breakthrough in kid-friendliness. Picky eaters? Meet your new best friend. Adults? You’ll be sneaking these after the kids are in bed.
That satisfying CRUNCH. We’re talking audible, neighbor-hearing crunch. None of that soggy, sad tender nonsense.
Minimal cleanup, if you play your cards right. (More on that later, you dish-avoiding genius, you.)
It’s cheaper and way tastier than anything you’ll get from a fast-food drive-thru, and you don’t even have to put on real pants.

Time-Saving Hacks

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Seriously, it’s not cheating, it’s just smart. Saves you from scrubbing off baked-on breading which is a special kind of hell.
If you’re really in a rush, buy pre-cut chicken tenderloins. Is it lazy? Maybe. Is it wrong? Absolutely not. Your time is precious.
Use two hands for breading: one for the wet ingredients, one for the dry. Your hands will still get messy, but slightly less messy, and that’s a win in my book.
Don’t be afraid to use a disposable bag for the dry coating. Shake, shake, shake, and then toss the bag. Fewer dishes, fewer regrets.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a ridiculous amount of dipping sauces. Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, secret sauce, that weird green stuff – the more options, the less complaining from tiny humans.
Alongside some crispy fries (homemade or frozen, I’m not judging) and a ridiculously simple side salad that no one will touch.
Pair it with a frosty glass of iced tea or, if the kids drove you absolutely bonkers, a very large glass of wine. You’ve earned it.
Honestly, sometimes just a plate of these tenders is enough. Standing over the counter, dipping straight from the bowl. Don’t tell anyone.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!