Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders Recipe Worth Savoring

Panko sesame chicken tenders bring a crispy, golden-brown delight to your dinner table with an irresistible crunch that changes ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy meal.

These tender morsels combine delicate meat coated in light, airy breadcrumbs that create an incredibly satisfying texture with each bite.

The magic happens when traditional breading gets an upgrade through Japanese-style panko, which adds remarkable lightness and exceptional crispness.

sesame seeds contribute a nutty undertone that elevates the entire flavor profile, making these tenders more sophisticated than standard breaded chicken.

Home cooks can easily master this technique by understanding a few key preparation steps that ensure maximum crispiness and minimal oil absorption.

The secret lies in maintaining proper coating thickness and achieving the perfect golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.

What Fans Love About Sesame Chicken Tenders

• Crunch into Perfection: These panko sesame chicken tenders deliver an irresistible crispy exterior with a delightful sesame seed coating that adds a nutty, toasted flavor and extra crunch to every bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: The straightforward breading method and simple cooking technique make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-Packed Dipping Sauce Delight: The zesty sriracha-lime mayo sauce brings bold, tangy notes that perfectly complement the golden-brown chicken, elevating a classic tender into a restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy at home.
• Versatile Meal Solution: These tenders work brilliantly as a main course, party appetizer, or salad topper, making them a flexible recipe that adapts to different dining scenarios and preferences.

Everything That Goes Into Sesame Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that forms the core of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in size.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates initial dry layer for crispy exterior, helps breading stick to chicken.
• Eggs, Water: Binding agent that helps breading adhere and provides moisture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for golden, crunchy coating.
• White Sesame Seeds, Black Sesame Seeds: Add nutty flavor and visual interest to breading.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for the flour coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for even, crisp frying at high temperature.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the sauce providing rich texture.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, acidic balance.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy kick and depth.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and salty complexity.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, authentic Asian flavor note.

Your Guide to Cooking Sesame Tenders with Panko

Step 1: Prepare Flour Coating

Mix flour with salt and pepper in a wide, shallow dish. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Whisk eggs with water in a separate bowl until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Mix Crunchy Sesame Coating

Combine panko breadcrumbs with both white and black sesame seeds in another shallow dish. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender first into seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dunk into egg wash, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, roll in sesame-panko mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour oil to cover bottom of pan with about 1/4 inch depth.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Tenders

Carefully place coated tenders into hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Create Zesty Dipping Sauce

Whisk mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Adjust consistency with water if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack. Keep warm in a low-temperature oven if cooking in batches. Serve immediately with prepared sauce on the side.

Best Tricks for Juicy Sesame Chicken

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden breading that sticks perfectly.
• Layer Carefully: Create a clean, organized breading station with flour, egg, and panko sesame mix to streamline the coating process and minimize mess.
• Check Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer or drop a breadcrumb in oil- it should sizzle immediately but not burn, indicating the ideal 350-375°F frying temperature.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook tenders in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent soggy, greasy results.
• Rest After Cooking: Let fried tenders sit on a wire rack for a few minutes to help excess oil drain and maintain maximum crispiness.

How to Keep Chicken Tenders Tasty After Day One

• Refrigerate: Store chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy breading.
• Reheat Oven: Warm tenders on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain crispy panko coating.
• Crisp Technique: Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even heating and extra crunchiness. Lightly spray with cooking oil to revive the golden exterior.

Pairing Sauces and Sides with Sesame Tenders

• Pair with Crisp Asian Slaw: Create a refreshing cabbage-based slaw with julienned carrots, green onions, and a light rice vinegar dressing to complement the crunchy chicken tenders.
• Match with Chilled Sake or Light Beer: Serve alongside a cold Japanese sake or a crisp lager to balance the richness of the sesame-crusted chicken and cut through the fried texture.
• Serve with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Use the homemade sriracha-mayo sauce as a perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to adjust the heat and tanginess to their preference. The lime and sesame notes will enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken tenders.
• Side with Steamed Jasmine Rice: Prepare a fluffy bed of jasmine rice to soak up the extra dipping sauce and provide a soft contrast to the crunchy chicken coating.

Sesame Chicken Variants You Might Love

• Spicy Korean Chicken Tenders: Replace sesame seeds with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) in the panko mixture. Swap sriracha in the dipping sauce with gochujang for an authentic Korean heat kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Tenders: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the flour coating. Create a tzatziki-style dip using Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice instead of the original sauce.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Tenders: Add ground curry powder and shredded coconut to the panko mixture. Modify the dipping sauce by incorporating coconut milk, curry paste, and a touch of honey for a tropical flavor profile.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Blend grated parmesan cheese into the panko coating. Prepare a ranch-style dip using buttermilk, dried herbs, garlic powder, and chives for a creamy, tangy accompaniment.

Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy panko sesame chicken tenders deliver an irresistible Asian-inspired crunch with golden breading and nutty sesame seeds. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, these tender morsels will satisfy your craving for a quick and delicious meal you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) chicken tenders
• 1 cup (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (64 g) sesame seeds

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (112 g) mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Water, as needed

Aromatics:

• 1 garlic clove, very finely minced or grated

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Instructions

1. Prepare seasoned flour mixture in a spacious container by blending salt and pepper into the dry ingredient thoroughly.
2. Create an egg wash by whisking egg with water until well combined.
3. Craft the crispy coating by mixing panko breadcrumbs with both white and black sesame seeds, ensuring even distribution.
4. Meticulously coat each chicken tender: first dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in egg wash, and finally roll in sesame-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
5. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, adding oil to create a shallow frying environment that reaches approximately 1/4 inch deep.
6. Carefully place breaded tenders into hot oil, maintaining spacing between pieces to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
7. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown exterior that signals perfect crispiness.
8. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F or by cutting into the thickest part to confirm no pink remains.
9. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet, keeping warm in a low-temperature oven if preparing multiple batches.
10. Whisk together mayo, minced garlic, lime juice, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a dynamic dipping sauce.
11. Adjust sauce consistency by adding water if planning to use as a salad dressing, ensuring a smooth, drizzleable texture.
12. Serve hot tenders immediately with prepared sauce on the side for maximum flavor and crunch.

Notes

• Sesame seeds add a nutty, toasted flavor and extra crunch to the crispy chicken coating.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before dredging to ensure the flour adheres perfectly and creates a crisp exterior.
• Use a candy or instant-read thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Cook chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which leads to soggy tenders.
• Adjust sriracha sauce quantity in the dipping sauce to control heat level according to personal spice preference.
• Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg