Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

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🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

⭐ Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
    or boneless chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional but amazing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

⭐ Dipping Sauce Options (Choose One!)

Honey Mustard

  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey

Ranch Dip

  • ¼ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • Optional: pinch of dill

Sweet Chili Mayo

  • 3 tbsp mayo
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce

🧑‍🍳 FULL RECIPE

1. Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels.
  2. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Breading Stations

Prepare 3 shallow bowls:

Bowl 1 – Flour

  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
    Mix well.

Bowl 2 – Eggs

  • Crack eggs
  • Beat until smooth.

Bowl 3 – Breadcrumbs

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan (optional)
    Mix together.

3. Bread the Chicken

  1. Coat each chicken strip in flour (shake off excess).
  2. Dip into the egg mixture.
  3. Press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  4. Place on a plate while you finish the rest.

4. Cook the Tenders

Pan-Fry Method (crispiest!)

  1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
  3. Place on a paper towel–lined plate.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Spray tenders with a little oil.
  2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Oven Method

  1. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  2. Spray lightly with oil.
  3. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.

5. Make the Dipping Sauce

Whisk together the ingredients for your chosen sauce.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. Serve

Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with dipping sauce on the side.
Perfect for:

  • Dinner
  • Snacks
  • Game day
  • Kids’ meals

⭐ Tips for Extra Crispiness

  • Use panko breadcrumbs.
  • Let the breaded tenders rest 5 minutes before cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan/air fryer.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne for spice.

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