Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

by

There’s nothing quite like homemade crispy chicken tenders—golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. These chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned panko crust, then fried or baked to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders

  1. In a shallow dish, add the flour.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
  3. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.

2. Cooking Methods

Frying Method:

  1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
  3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baking Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer and lightly spray with oil.
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

3. Make the Dipping Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients until smooth.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with crispy chicken tenders.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy chicken tenders with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also try different sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for variety!

Enjoy! 🍗😋

Leave a Comment