Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Absolutely — crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauces are a classic crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for kids or just craving something comforting and crunchy. Here’s a recipe for golden, oven-baked or fried chicken tenders plus a few great sauce options.

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🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper

Breading:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (panko = extra crispy)

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: grated Parmesan in the breading

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Instructions (Oven or Fried):

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper for 30 min to overnight (helps tenderize and flavor).

2. Preheat oven to 425°F (if baking). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top; spray with oil.

3. Set up a breading station:

   • Bowl 1: flour

   • Bowl 2: beaten eggs

   • Bowl 3: seasoned breadcrumbs

4. Coat each piece in flour → egg → breadcrumbs. Press crumbs in to help them stick.

5. Oven-bake: Arrange tenders on the rack, spray lightly with oil. Bake 18–20 min, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F).

   OR

   Pan-fry: Heat 1/2 inch oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

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🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas

1. Honey Mustard:

   • 1/4 cup mayo

   • 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)

   • 2 tbsp honey

   • 1 tsp lemon juice

2. Ranch Dip:

   • 1/4 cup sour cream

   • 1/4 cup mayo

   • 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)

   • 1 tsp garlic/onion powder

   • Salt & pepper, to taste

3. Spicy Buffalo Dip:

   • 2 tbsp hot sauce

   • 2 tbsp butter, melted

   • 1 tbsp mayo or sour cream

4. Sweet Chili Mayo:

   • 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce

   • 1 tbsp mayo

   • 1 tsp lime juice

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Would you like a version with air fryer instructions or something like chicken tender sliders next?