25 Chicken Tender Recipes Both Parents and Kids Will Love

Chicken tenders are a fantastically versatile ingredient for any night of the week. Though they’re perfect on their own with a side of dipping sauce, they also make a hearty addition to salads, a crunchy filling for sandwiches and an easy swap in recipes that call for chicken breast — like Chicken Parmesan. Whether you stick to a traditional recipe (breaded and fried — or baked!) or spice things up with an elevated twist, you can’t go wrong with tenders.

We've rounded up all sorts of options here: one-skillet mains, satisfying pasta dishes, crunchy strips that are perfect for dipping — and even some easy chicken tender recipes you can make for dinner with few ingredients​. There's truly something for everyone in this collection.

Thought all crispy dippers had to be deep fried? Think again! This family-favorite version cuts down on grease and fat by baking them in the oven instead. Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard add extra umami flavor to the savory tenders.

Air fryers are an easy way to cut down on added oil or grease. That’s why this recipe for chicken tenders is just a little bit healthier than your standard recipe—they get cooked in the air fryer to make them just a little bit healthier. Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a quick, easy weeknight meal.

For an easy dish to wow everyone at your next dinner party, try this super simple Chicken Marsala Pasta al Forno. Cremini and dried porcini mushrooms get cooked together with Marsala wine, garlic, and shallots, then tossed with pasta and parmesan cheese. The whole dish gets topped with crispy, crunchy chicken tenders.

We’re firm believers that parmesan cheese makes anything better, and that’s extra apparent in this recipe for parmesan-crusted chicken fingers. Dredging them in buttermilk before coating with the crunchy topping adds an even more complex flavor.

Buffalo wings are a crowd favorite, but they’re so much easier to enjoy when boneless. These boneless buffalo chicken sliders are grilled first, then tossed in buffalo wing sauce. Served sandwich-style, Hawaiian rolls add just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the heat.

Another snack food that’s better on chicken? Potato chips! The childhood-favorite gets an elevated twist in this recipe. Simply follow a standard breading procedure, but swap potato chips for the breadcrumbs. The whole thing comes together in just 20 minutes.

Coated in almonds and sesame seeds instead of breadcrumbs, these crunchy chicken fingers are a little more healthful than your standard recipe. Don’t be intimidated by the healthy swap, they’re just as easy to whip up as regular chicken tenders. Pair with the romesco-inspired red pepper dip.

This hearty, flavorful chicken marsala is the perfect dish to whip up any night of the week. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick dinner when you’re in a time crunch, but it’s also an impressive meal to have on a special occasion. Just make sure to have some crusty bread on hand to scoop up any extra sauce.

For an easy and nutritious weeknight dinner, try these crispy chicken strips with crunchy Brussels sprouts. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful, thanks to the caramelized flavor on the Brussels sprouts.

These pretzel-crusted chicken strips are so simple and easy to make, they come together in just 25 minutes. Chicken gets dunked in a honey and brown mustard mixture, then covered in salty, crunchy pretzels. Next, each tender gets fried until golden brown and served with even more honey mustard.

Fried chicken and waffles are one of the most show stopping culinary combinations out there. Thanks to the addition of chicken tenders rather than bone-in chicken, this recipe for the classic pairing is just a little bit more approachable. Buttermilk shines as a game-changing ingredient in both the chicken and the waffles.

Chicken skewers are a party favorite, and these simple appetizers are ready in just 25 minutes. Simply thread chicken on to the skewers, then grill until crispy and cooked through. Serve with the tangy, sweet, and savory peanut sauce.

Looking for a fun dish to serve at your next game day viewing party? Chicken and waffle sandwiches are impressive and crowd pleasing, so your guests are sure to love them. Spicy maple butter is the only condiment you need on these sandwiches, so make sure to slather it on generously.

For a quick spin on chicken parmesan, swap in chicken tenders for whole breasts. They’re smaller and easier to fry, so the whole recipe comes together in a shorter time—just 35 minutes. If you want to make the dish lighter, serve with salad instead of pasta.

These little bites of tasty chicken are so easy to pop in your mouth, they’ve been dubbed “popcorn chicken.” Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe packs tons of flavor in little bites. Try it with the honey sriracha mayo for a sweet and spicy kick.

Looking to meal prep a delicious snack? Try these homemade chicken tenders. The recipe is designed to be frozen and then reheated, so they’re great for making in advance. Store your freezer with a batch and whip them out next time you need a quick appetizer, sandwich, or topping for a salad.

Hot, crispy chicken and spicy maple butter are so much better when serving with soft, pillowy waffles to absorb all the dripping juices. We love this chicken sandwich recipe that’s served with fresh tomatillos and chopped scallions. It strikes the perfect balance between spicy, savory, and sweet, so it’s sure to wow all the guests at your next dinner party.

Crispy chicken strips are the perfect thing to serve with light salad. The richness of the fried chicken is delightfully balanced when served with fresh, zippy greens and raw vegetables. Made in just 30 minutes, this is a hearty, fresh twist on boring salad.

Who knew that multigrain oat cereal was so versatile? Forget breakfast, this recipe employs the cereal in a savory, dinnertime application. Used in place of breadcrumbs, cereal shines as a crunchy breading in this chicken tender recipe.

Nuts are notoriously crunchy, so why not use them as the crunchy coating for delicious chicken strips? This fun recipe uses pecans for texture and flavor. First toss the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, then toss in flour, seasonings and pecans. Cook the chicken in hot oil until golden, crispy, and fried.

Spicy food lovers will devour these hot honey fried chicken strips. First, chicken strips get tossed with flavorful spices like paprika and cayenne to add heat. Once fried until golden brown, the chicken gets tossed again in hot honey to double down on spicy flavor. Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Wanted to punch up your breading mixture with a little protein? Try quinoa! The powerhouse grain adds crunch to an already crunchy chicken tender, making it just a little bit healthier. Enjoy with a lemon yogurt dipping sauce.

Brining chicken helps impart more complex flavors, so we love this recipe for chicken tenders that starts out with a salty, flavorful water bath. Simply brine the chicken then proceed with a standard breading procedure. Fry on the stovetop and serve with homemade buttermilk ranch.

Tired of boring chicken strips? Elevate the standard recipe with this easy twist. Sesame and pecan add extra nuttiness to the crunchy coating, and once cooked, the crispy chicken tenders get dipped in honey peach preserve for a sweet, tangy finish.