Crispy, tender chicken fingers hold a special place in comfort food history, beloved by both kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re craving a classic breaded strip or looking to experiment with bold new flavors, these 10 mouthwatering recipes will help you create restaurant-quality chicken fingers at home.
From traditional buttermilk-soaked tenders to spicy buffalo-style strips and even healthier baked versions, you’ll discover exciting new ways to prepare this family favorite.
We’ll explore different coating techniques, marinades, and dipping sauces that will transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary meals your whole family will request again and again.
Classic Southern Buttermilk Chicken Fingers

Classic Southern Buttermilk Chicken Fingers are the ultimate comfort food that brings the taste of down-home cooking right to your kitchen.
These tender, crispy strips are marinated in tangy buttermilk to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness, while the seasoned coating creates that irresistible crunch you crave.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Place chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Mix flour and all seasonings in a shallow dish.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large, deep skillet to 350°F.
Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Step 5: Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Step 6: Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd your frying pan – leave enough space between each tender for even cooking. Also, keep your oil temperature consistent by using a thermometer and allowing it to return to 350°F between batches.
Crispy Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Transform ordinary chicken into irresistibly crunchy, golden-brown tenders that’ll make you forget about takeout.
These panko-crusted chicken tenders deliver the perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.
Perfect for both kids and adults, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes – flour mixture (flour + seasonings), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure better coating adhesion.
Step 3: Dredge each tender in seasoned flour, then egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
Step 5: Fry tenders for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd your pan when frying – leave space between each tender for even cooking. For extra crunchiness, press the panko coating firmly onto the chicken before frying to ensure it adheres well and creates that perfect crispy exterior.
Spicy Buffalo-Style Chicken Strips

Craving that perfect combination of crispy and spicy?
These homemade Buffalo-style chicken strips deliver the classic wing flavor you love but in a more manageable, less messy form.
Perfect for game day gatherings or a casual family dinner, these strips pack the right amount of heat while staying deliciously tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ⅔ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Dip each chicken strip in beaten eggs, then coat with seasoned flour mixture.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
Step 4: Fry strips for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Meanwhile, combine hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl.
Step 6: Transfer cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 7: Toss strips in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy strips, double-dip them in egg and flour mixture before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding your pan when frying – this ensures each piece gets perfectly crispy and cooks evenly.
Honey Mustard Pretzel-Crusted Tenders

Satisfy your craving for crispy chicken with these irresistible Honey Mustard Pretzel-Crusted Tenders.
These tenders combine the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard, creating a perfect balance that will make your taste buds dance.
Perfect for both family dinners and game day snacks!
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken tenders
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and yellow mustard until well combined.
Step 3: Place crushed pretzels in a shallow dish and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
Step 5: Dip each chicken tender in the honey mustard mixture, then egg wash, and finally coat with the pretzel mixture.
Step 6: Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tip: For the crunchiest coating, process your pretzels into fine crumbs but leave some slightly larger pieces for texture. Also, let the tenders rest for 5 minutes after coating and before baking to help the crust adhere better.
Coconut-Crusted Tropical Chicken Fingers

Transform ordinary chicken into a tropical paradise with these crispy, coconut-crusted chicken fingers.
This dish combines the sweetness of coconut with tender chicken strips, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to a beachside resort.
Perfect for both kids and adults, these chicken fingers pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into even strips, about 1-inch wide.
Step 2: Set up three shallow bowls – place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and mix coconut, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
Step 3: Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then egg, and finally coat with the coconut mixture.
Step 4: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 5: Cook chicken fingers for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the cooking temperature – coconut can burn quickly, so maintain medium heat throughout cooking. For extra crispiness, refrigerate the coated chicken strips for 30 minutes before frying.
Parmesan Herb-Crusted Chicken Strips

Transform ordinary chicken into a crispy, flavorful delight with these Parmesan herb-crusted chicken strips.
This recipe combines the sharp richness of Parmesan cheese with aromatic herbs to create a crunchy coating that seals in moisture and delivers incredible taste in every bite.
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Cut your chicken breasts into even strips and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Step 4: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-herb mixture.
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 6: Cook chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest coating, don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking – work in batches if necessary. Also, ensure your chicken strips are similar in size for even cooking time and consistent results.
Gluten-Free Almond Flour Chicken Tenders

Satisfy your craving for crispy chicken tenders with this healthier, gluten-free alternative that’s just as delicious as the traditional version.
These almond flour chicken tenders offer a perfectly crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside, making them ideal for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1½ cups almond flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil for cooking
Step 1: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
Step 3: In another shallow bowl, mix almond flour with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dip each chicken tender in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned almond flour mixture.
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 6: Cook the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 7: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking, as this will cause the tenders to steam rather than crisp. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken – test by sprinkling a tiny bit of almond flour; it should sizzle immediately.
Ranch-Seasoned Cornflake Chicken Fingers

Transform ordinary chicken tenders into a crispy, flavorful delight that both kids and adults will love.
These Ranch-Seasoned Cornflake Chicken Fingers offer a perfect balance of crunch and zesty ranch seasoning, making them an ideal choice for dinner or as party appetizers.
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds chicken tenders
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Set up three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and combine crushed cornflakes with ranch seasoning in the third.
Step 3: Season chicken tenders with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, and finally coat with the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, crush your cornflakes into medium-sized crumbs rather than fine powder – this creates more texture. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips are a delicious, crispy alternative to traditional fried chicken.
This healthier version delivers the perfect combination of tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich parmesan flavor, all while using minimal oil thanks to the air fryer.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray
Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into even strips if not using pre-cut tenderloins.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk eggs with olive oil.
Step 4: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 7: Place chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
Step 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – work in batches if necessary. Also, ensure your chicken strips are similar in size for even cooking time and consistency.
Keto-Friendly Pork Rind Crusted Tenders

Craving crispy chicken tenders but following a keto diet?
These Keto-Friendly Pork Rind Crusted Tenders are your perfect solution.
This recipe delivers the satisfying crunch you love while keeping carbs low, making it an ideal choice for your low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups crushed pork rinds
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking oil spray
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until well combined.
Step 3: In another shallow bowl, mix crushed pork rinds with all seasonings.
Step 4: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure better coating adhesion.
Step 5: Dip each tenderloin in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the pork rind mixture.
Step 6: Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, make sure your pork rind coating is crushed to a fine consistency, and don’t stack the tenders while baking. If your pork rinds aren’t finely crushed enough, pulse them in a food processor for the perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes chicken fingers extra crispy without deep frying?
Double-coating your chicken in seasoned flour and using a mixture of cornflakes and panko breadcrumbs creates an ultra-crispy exterior. Baking on a wire rack allows air circulation for even crispiness.
How do you ensure chicken fingers stay moist on the inside?
Marinate your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 2 hours before coating and cooking. The enzymes in buttermilk help tenderize the meat while keeping it juicy.
What are the best dipping sauces to pair with homemade chicken fingers?
Create a variety of sauces like honey mustard, ranch, buffalo, or sweet chili sauce. You can also mix mayonnaise with different seasonings for unique flavor combinations.
How long should you bake chicken fingers for the perfect doneness?
Bake your chicken fingers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover chicken fingers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve explored these mouthwatering chicken finger recipes, you can confidently create restaurant-quality comfort food at home.
Remember to maintain proper oil temperature when frying, always season your breadcrumbs generously, and never skip the marinating step for maximum flavor.
Whether you prefer classic buttermilk-soaked tenders or healthier baked versions, these recipes offer something for every taste.
Keep your breading station organized, and don’t forget to let your chicken rest before cooking.
With these techniques mastered, you’ll become the go-to chicken finger expert in your household.