Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
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500 g chicken breast tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
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1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little heat)
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide). You can also use pre-cut chicken tenders.
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Place the chicken in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (you can marinate it for a few hours if you have time—this helps the chicken stay tender).
2. Set up the Breading Station:
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In one shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
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In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and dried thyme (if using).
3. Bread the Chicken:
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Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour.
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Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
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Place the breaded tenders on a plate or tray as you go.
4. Fry the Chicken:
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Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (you can test if it’s hot enough by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready).
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Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
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While the chicken is frying, mix together all the ingredients for the dipping sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice) in a bowl.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
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Serve the crispy chicken tenders with the dipping sauce on the side. You can garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
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For extra flavor, you can serve the tenders with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.
Tips:
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Double-dip for extra crunch: For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken tenders back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs a second time before frying.
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Oven option: If you prefer to bake the tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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Make it spicy: Add more hot sauce to the dipping sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before frying for a spicier kick.
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Freezing for later: You can freeze the breaded, uncooked tenders on a tray, and once they’re frozen solid, store them in a freezer bag. To cook, just fry from frozen (you may need to cook them a little longer).
Serving Ideas:
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Kids’ Lunch: These chicken tenders are great for kids—serve them with veggies or a fruit salad for a balanced meal.
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Party Appetizer: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.
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Sandwiches or Wraps: You can use these crispy tenders in a sandwich or wrap with some lettuce, tomato, and more dipping sauce for a filling meal.
These crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, game day, or a fun snack, they’re always a hit!
Are you planning on serving these for a special occasion, or just for a delicious lunch or dinner at home?