Go Back
Easy pan-fried chicken tenders with a golden crispy coating
Tarek Rakhiess

Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Juicy & Easy in 15 Minutes

Crispy, juicy pan fried chicken tenders seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion, ready in about 15 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins about 450 g
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet
  • Shallow bowl or plate
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the flour coating adhere and encourages better browning.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional Parmesan.
  3. Coat each chicken tenderloin lightly with the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Leave enough space between them so they brown instead of steaming.
  6. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side. Turn and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness.
  7. Check the thickest tender with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for about 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For crispier tenders, keep the flour coating light and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  • Chicken tenderloins vary in thickness, so cooking time can change slightly.
  • Use a thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time to confirm doneness.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour.
  • For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan.
  • Serve immediately with vegetables, salad, roasted potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximately 290 calories per serving
Estimated value based on the listed ingredients and 4 servings. Actual calories can vary depending on the amount of oil and flour absorbed during cooking.

Notes

  •