Potato Crunchy Tenders Recipe -

Need a quick dinner that’s crispy, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family?

These Garlic Potato-Crusted Chicken Tenders transform ordinary chicken into a crunchy, golden meal using garlic-flavored instant mashed potato flakes instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

They’re packed with savory flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1½ pounds chicken tenders
1 (7.6-ounce) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potato flakes
1½ cups milk
1 large egg
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
½ cup vegetable oil, or another high-heat cooking oil, for shallow frying

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and place it over medium heat. Allow the oil to reach approximately 350°F (175°C) while preparing the breading ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until smooth.

In another shallow dish, combine the garlic instant mashed potato flakes with the salt and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, coating it completely.

Lift it out and let any excess liquid drip away. Then press the chicken into the seasoned potato flakes until every side is fully coated with a thick, even layer.

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy

Carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil, cooking only a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Fry each tender for 3–5 minutes per side, or until the coating is deep golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Drain and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli.

Cooking Tips

Keep the Oil at the Proper Temperature

Oil that’s too cool will make the coating greasy, while excessively hot oil can burn the crust before the chicken cooks through.

Bake Instead of Fry

Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tenders with oil and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Experiment with Flavors

Try different varieties of instant mashed potato flakes, such as bacon cheddar, sour cream and onion, or loaded baked potato, for a fun twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	556 kcal
Total Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	139 mg
Sodium	945 mg
Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Total Sugars	3 g
Protein	45 g
Calcium	98 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	425 mg