Here’s a crispy, golden chicken tenders recipe with a flavorful breading and two easy, delicious dipping sauces to choose from — perfect for family dinners, game day, or anytime you’re craving crunch.
🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15–20 min
🧾 Ingredients:
🐔 For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor)
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Vegetable oil, for frying
🍳 Instructions:
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Marinate the chicken (optional but recommended):
Combine chicken tenders, buttermilk, and hot sauce in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. -
Prepare the breading station:
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In one bowl: mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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In another bowl: add panko breadcrumbs.
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Bread the tenders:
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Remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
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Dredge in seasoned flour → back into buttermilk → then coat in panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy crust.
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Fry:
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Heat oil (about 1 inch deep) in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
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Drain on paper towels.
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Serve with dipping sauce(s)!
🥣 Dipping Sauce Options:
1. Honey Mustard Sauce
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
Mix well and chill.
2. Spicy Ranch Dip
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¼ cup ranch dressing
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1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
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Dash of smoked paprika (optional)
Mix until smooth and adjust heat to taste.
🔁 Air Fryer or Oven Option:
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Air Fryer: 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flip halfway
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Oven: Bake at 425°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping once — lightly oil the breaded tenders for crispness