Name: Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (tenders); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed (or 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder); 2 sleeves saltine crackers (about 72 crackers); 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; vegetable or peanut oil for frying

There's something irresistibly crunchy and comforting about perfectly breaded chicken, and this Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe nails it every single time. The saltines add a unique, buttery crunch that's way better than ordinary breadcrumbs—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

A white rectangular tray lined with brown parchment paper holds ten golden-brown crispy fried chicken tenders with a rough, crunchy texture from the breading. The tenders are arranged close together, some overlapping, showing different sizes and irregular shapes. On the left side inside the tray is a small white bowl filled with creamy, pale yellow dipping sauce. The tray sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a yellow and white cloth is partly visible on the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless chicken tenders in my kitchen, but swapping out typical breading for crushed saltine crackers just shifts the whole experience. It’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to pull off—even on weeknights.

Super Crispy Coating: Saltine crackers give you a crunch that stays crispy longer than regular breadcrumbs.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry for this recipe.
Flavor Packed: The seasoning blend with garlic powder and chicken bouillon makes every bite pop.
Versatile and Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Combining crispy saltine crackers with a simple but flavorful seasoning mix elevates these chicken tenders from ordinary to unforgettable. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and why you’ll want to choose quality for each.

Flat lay of fresh whole raw chicken tenderloins, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth beaten eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl containing a golden vegetable oil, and three small white ceramic bowls each holding a different seasoning: coarse salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, and a mixed poultry seasoning blend with garlic powder, placed in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay tender—perfect for fast meals.
Salt: Simple, but critical for enhancing overall flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and earthiness.
Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that brings savory warmth without overpowering.
Poultry Seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the flavors together nicely.
Chicken Bouillon Cube (or powder): This is a secret weapon for umami depth—you might be surprised how much it makes a difference.
Saltine Crackers: The star of the show—crispy, flaky, and easy to crumble.
Eggs: They act as glue to hold the coating in place and create a nice golden color.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg wash stick evenly, forming the perfect base coat.
Vegetable or Peanut Oil: Great for frying because it withstands high heat and keeps the coating crisp.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes. I often tweak it slightly depending on the mood or what I have on hand.

Variation: I’ve added a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder to kick up the heat when I want a bit more spice—that smoky touch is addictive!
Healthier Option: Instead of frying, I’ve baked these tenders at 425°F until golden and crispy. They’re not quite the same crunch, but still delightful and less messy.
Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, I sometimes mix crushed herb crackers with the saltines for a festive flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

First things first—season your chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and crushed chicken bouillon. Toss everything in a large bowl or a zip-top bag to make sure every piece gets coated evenly. Letting them hang out for about 20 minutes lets those flavors seep in. I usually prep this while I start the crumb mixture.

Step 2: Crush the Saltines

Now for the crunchy part—finely crush your saltine crackers. You can use a food processor, but if you don’t have one, just toss the crackers in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until they’re finely crumbed. The size matters here—too chunky and the coating won't stick well; too powdery, and you lose the satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Get three shallow dishes ready—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with your crushed saltines. This assembly line makes coating smooth and mess-free. I like to gently tap off the excess flour and egg to avoid clumps, which helps the coating cook evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Here's the fun part: dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then dip it in the egg wash, letting any extra drip off. Press it firmly into the saltine crumbs so those little bits really stick. Don’t skimp on pressing here; it’s what makes the crust hold up during frying. Lay the coated tenders on a baking sheet while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

I pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into my dutch oven and heat it to about 365°F. When the oil’s ready, fry 3-4 tenders at a time so they cook evenly and the temperature doesn’t drop too much. Around 4 minutes per batch is typical, but always check for a golden crust and an internal temp of 165°F. Drain on a rack to keep them crispy. I like to keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while the rest finish cooking.

Top Tip

From my experience, a couple of small tweaks make a world of difference in mastering this Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe. These tips will save you from soggy breading and uneven cooking.

Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer! Keeping oil steady at 365°F ensures a crispy crust without greasy chicken.
Don't Skip the Rest: Let the seasoned chicken rest before breading so flavors soak in. I've rushed this step and ended up with bland bites.
Press the Crumbs: Firmly press the cracker crumbs onto the chicken to help them stay put during frying.
Drain Properly: Use a cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Paper towels work, but they can make the crust steam and lose crispness.

How to Serve Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

saltine chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tenders—they add a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the savory crust. A lemon wedge on the side adds a bright, zesty contrast that I personally can’t resist.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve these with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple mixed greens salad to balance out the richness. Mashed potatoes or a creamy mac and cheese also make for a comforting, classic combo.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting friends, I arrange the tenders on a platter with ramekins of different dipping sauces—think honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even a tangy BBQ. It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their bites and adds a bit of flair to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crunchy, I place a paper towel below and above the chicken inside the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After frying, let the tenders cool completely, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you want them later, just warm them in the oven—no need to thaw beforehand.

Reheating

To revive that crisp crunch, reheat tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, or you’ll end up with soggy breading.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake the Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking won't give you the exact same crunch as frying, it’s a great healthier alternative that’s still delicious.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy inside.

Can I use other crackers besides saltines?

You can experiment with other crackers, but saltines have a subtle flavor and perfect flakiness that complement the chicken best. Using flavored crackers may change the taste profile, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

Any tips to keep the coating crispy after frying?

Yes! Drain the cooked tenders on a cooling rack rather than paper towels to avoid steaming the crust. Keeping cooked pieces warm in a low oven also helps maintain crispness until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Saltine Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—not just for the crispy texture but for the comforting, homey feeling it brings to the table. I love sharing it with friends who don’t believe simple ingredients can shine so brightly. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!