Go Back
Here are the tasty ingredients you will need to make crispy sesame chicken tenders: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness) - ½ cup sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon honey - Vegetable oil for frying These ingredients work together to create a crunchy delight that everyone will love. The chicken remains moist and tender thanks to the buttermilk marinade. Panko breadcrumbs give the tenders that extra crispiness. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor that makes this dish special. The blend of spices enhances the taste. Soy sauce and honey provide a sweet and salty balance. Gather these items before you start cooking. This will help you stay organized and make your cooking process smoother. Enjoy the simple pleasure of preparing a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Buttermilk is key here. It makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins, so your chicken will be juicy and delicious. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, mix the soy sauce and honey. This mixture adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. It helps the coating stick. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Fry each tender for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them crispy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Keep them warm in the oven while you cook the rest. This way, all the tenders stay hot without cooking them too much. To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko has a light, airy texture. This helps the tenders turn golden brown and crunchy. Resting the chicken before frying is also key. Let the coated chicken sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the coating time to stick better during frying. You can boost the flavor by adding spices to the breadcrumb mix. Try paprika or cayenne for a kick. You can also add dried herbs like oregano or thyme. For dipping sauces, honey mustard pairs well. You might also like a sweet chili sauce or a spicy aioli. Avoid overcrowding your pan when frying. Fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady. If too many tenders are in the pan, they will steam instead of fry. This can make them soggy. Manage the oil temperature by keeping it around 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect crispiness every time. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F) to achieve a golden crust without absorbing too much oil. Keep Warm in Oven: After frying, place the chicken tenders in a warm oven to keep them crispy while you finish frying the rest. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken tenders for chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts work well, too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Thicker pieces take longer to cook. If you want a vegetarian option, try tofu or cauliflower. Press the tofu to remove water. Cut it into strips and coat it like chicken. For cauliflower, cut it into bite-sized pieces. The cooking method stays the same for both options. To change the flavor, add herbs or spices. Try paprika, cayenne pepper, or even Italian seasoning. These will give the tenders a unique twist. You can also create sweet and savory variations. Try adding more honey for a sweeter taste. Or mix in some chili flakes for a spicy kick. These changes can make the dish even more fun. You can bake or air fry the chicken tenders instead of frying. Baking is a healthier choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. For air frying, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tenders in a single layer for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Both methods still give you that crunchy texture. To keep your crispy sesame chicken tenders fresh, store them in a tight container. Use a glass or plastic container with a lid. You can also wrap them in aluminum foil. This helps keep them crisp for longer. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. To freeze these chicken tenders, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For the best taste, eat them within three months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the tenders. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway. This keeps them crispy and delicious. In the fridge, crispy sesame chicken tenders last about three to four days. In the freezer, they last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a slimy texture, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. It gives a great texture. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This adds moisture and flavor. - Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better. - Fry in hot oil. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the tenders will soak up oil and become soggy. - Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil hot. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, they will not provide the same crunch. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and denser. They can make the tenders less crispy. If you want a similar texture, try toasting the regular breadcrumbs lightly before using them. This adds some crunch but may still not match panko's lightness. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. Here are some tasty options: - Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy, it pairs well with sesame flavors. - Sweet chili sauce: This sauce adds heat and sweetness. - Soy sauce with a hint of ginger: It complements the sesame nicely. - Spicy mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy kick. You can also serve a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This blog post provided a thorough guide to making tasty sesame chicken tenders. We covered key ingredients, marination, and frying techniques. You learned tips for extra crispiness and how to store your leftovers. By trying different proteins and flavors, you can tweak this dish to suit your taste. Remember, crispy tends go well with great dips! I hope you’re excited to make your next batch of perfect chicken tenders. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with loved ones!

Crispy Sesame Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated with sesame seeds and breadcrumbs, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
  • ½ cup sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to ensure tenderness and flavor.
  • In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
  • In a third bowl, mix the soy sauce and honey; set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to keep the tenders warm after frying.
  • Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade and let the excess drip off. Dip each tender into the soy sauce and honey mixture, then directly into the breadcrumb-sesame mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
  • In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenders, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  • Fry each tender for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Place the fried chicken tenders on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you fry the remaining batches.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dipping sauce.
Keyword chicken, crispy, fried, sesame, tenders