If you love crispy chicken without deep-frying, you’re going to fall in love with my Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders. They’re crunchy, juicy, full of flavour, and incredibly easy to make in the oven or air fryer. These tenders are perfect for quick dinners, lunchbox meals, party platters, or even a satisfying snack.
Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
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Total Time: 30–33 minutes
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Serving Size: Serves 3–4
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
I keep coming back to this recipe because:
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They’re super crispy thanks to panko breadcrumbs
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Ready in under 30 minutes
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Baked or air-fried — no greasy deep-frying
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Kid-friendly and family-approved
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Perfect for dipping sauces
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Easy to customize with spices
If you want something crunchy and comforting without the guilt, this is it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
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500g chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp soy sauce (optional for flavour)
For the Coating
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or mixed)
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½ tsp salt
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1 egg, beaten
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2 tbsp flour
For Serving (Optional but Delicious)
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Sweet chili sauce
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Honey mustard
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Spicy mayo
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Garlic yogurt dip
How to Make Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders
1. Season the Chicken
I season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and soy sauce. I let it marinate for about 5 minutes so the flavour sinks in.
2. Set Up the Coating Station
I arrange three bowls:
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Flour
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Beaten egg
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Panko + sesame seeds + a pinch of salt
3. Coat the Chicken
I dip each chicken strip in:
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flour → egg → panko mixture
Make sure the panko sticks well — this is what makes the tenders extra crispy.
4. Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
Place on a lined tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 16–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Air Fryer Method:
Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12–14 minutes.
You’ll know they’re ready when the coating turns golden and the chicken is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy tenders taste amazing with:
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noodles or fried rice
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mashed potatoes
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roasted veggies
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salad bowls
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inside wraps or sandwiches
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on a party snack platter
And of course — lots of dipping sauce!
Tips for Customization
Make it spicy
Add chili powder, cayenne, or sriracha to the marinade.
Add more flavour
Mix parmesan cheese or dried herbs into the panko.
Make it gluten-free
Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch instead of flour.
Make it extra crispy
Spray the coated tenders with a little oil before baking.
Sweet twist
Add 1 tsp honey or a dash of hoisin sauce to the marinade.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 30g
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Carbs: 22g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 1g
These are high in protein, lower in oil than deep-fried versions, and great for clean eating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, thighs make them juicier and more flavourful.
2. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes — coat the tenders and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking.
3. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze coated (uncooked) tenders for up to 2 months. Air fry straight from frozen.
4. What if I don’t have panko?
Use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Air fry for 3–4 minutes to make them crispy again.
Final Thoughts
My Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crunch, flavour, and convenience. They make busy weeknights easier and party nights tastier. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for quick meals and cravings.
