Crispy Homemade Chicken Fingers: A Golden, Crunchy Comfort Food Classic

Easy Chicken Fingers: Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

From the moment you take your first crunchy bite of these homemade chicken fingers, you’ll know you’ve found the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for Chicken Fingers

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup water
• 1½ cups bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions for Perfect Chicken Fingers

1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken tenders dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prep the breading station. In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and water. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Bread the chicken. Dredge each tender in flour, dip into the egg wash, then press into the seasoned bread crumbs until evenly coated.
4. Heat the oil. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Heat until shimmering.
5. Fry until golden. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Drain and serve. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil before plating.

Spicy Horseradish Sauce for Dipping

This zesty dipping sauce adds a fiery kick and creamy texture—perfect for dunking your crispy tenders.

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Mix and chill: Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Fingers

• Extra Crunch: Swap panko for bread crumbs.
• Gluten-Free: Use rice flour and gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder or paprika to your breading mix.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fingers Recipe

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, these chicken fingers deliver on flavor, crunch, and ease. Serve them at game day gatherings, pack them into school lunches, or enjoy with a side salad for a quick dinner win. You simply can’t go wrong with crispy, juicy chicken fingers.