Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe are crispy, golden and full of flavor – without being dry on the inside. This simple copycat recipe delivers a crunchy restaurant classic right to your meal, great for dipping and sharing with the family.

Introducing a restaurant favorite recipe to your home kitchen with this Copycat Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders!

They’re crispy, juicy and seasoned to perfection with tender inside — these golden tenders are just as delicious if not more so than the ones you’d order at Bob Evans.

Dip them in your favorite sauces or serve them alongside other appetizers for a family-friendly meal the whole gang will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crunchy coating that is not greasy.
• With juicy and moist chicken in every bite.
• It’s a simple recipe and one that you can practically make with pantry ingredients.
• Kid approved and great for family get togethers or parties.
• Great with any dipping sauce or side dish.

Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• Chicken tenders – Boneless strips, fresh with perfect size for breading and frying.
• All purpose flour – Used to lift the first layer of breading for crispy chicken breading.
• Eggs – The beaten eggs are used to make breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs or panko – Adds the perfect crunchy crust to your nice crispy tenders.
• Paprika – For some smokiness and a hint of color.
• Garlic powder – Adds some savory flavor to the breading mixture.
• Salt and pepper – Basic flavor enhancers.
• Cooking spray or oil – This supports the tenders to crispen up in the air fryer.

How To Make Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into pieces (or use chicken tenders). Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: In each bowl:

Bowl 1: All-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder.

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (or buttermilk).

Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) and a touch of flour for crunch.

Step 3: Coat each piece of piece of chicken lightly in flour, then dip into egg and turn to coat; dredge both sides in breadcrumbs. Spray both sides with cooking oil, until just lightly coated.

Step 4: Preheat air fryer to 375°. Add tenders to the air fryer basket, single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning over once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

Step 5: Serve hot with any variety of your favorite dipping sauces – ranch, honey mustard, BBQ. Great with fries, and coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.

Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips

• Make sure to pat your chicken dry before breading for better adhesion.
• Double coat (yet more crunch) — repeat the flour and breadcrumb process if you enjoy a thicker crust.
• Don’t overfill the air fryer — cook in batches for consistent crispiness.
• Panko breadcrumbs yield a lighter, crisper texture.
• Season to taste — Salt, cayenne, Italian seasoning or onion powder can be added to make it exactly what you want.

Storing Instructions

• Storage: Leftover tenders can be stored in the refrigerator, covered or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet to freeze separately, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, add your leftovers to the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes and you’ll have that crispy outside without sacrificing moisture in the chicken.

Bob Evan’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are wonderful and even juicier. Just cut them into strips before breading.

Do I have to use an air fryer? No—you can put the oven at 400°F and bake for about 18–20 minutes or you can pan-fry in oil until golden brown and cooked all the way through.

Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders all in advance. Cover and refrigerate the sticks until you are ready to air fry them.

What are the best dipping sauces for these tenders? Classic ranch, honey mustard and barbecue sauce will work great but buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo or even a sweet chili dip works well too.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through? Employ a meat thermometer — You want the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees for safety.

More Copycat Bob Evan’s Recipe

Bob Evans Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bowls Recipe

Bob Evan’s Pot Roast Recipe

Copycat Bob Evans Colonial Dressing Recipe

Bob Evans Style Buttermilk Biscuits

Bob Evans Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Bob Evan’s Mushroom and Onion Chopped Steak Recipe

Bob Evans Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Bob Evan’s Potato Recipe

Bob Evan’s Country-Fried Steak Recipe

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