Here’s a tasty and easy recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders with a flavorful dipping sauce — perfect for dinner, parties, or snacks!
🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
🧂 Ingredients for Chicken Tenders:
-
1 ½ lbs (about 680g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tbsp water
-
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prep Breading Station:
-
Bowl 1: Flour (mixed with half the salt and pepper)
-
Bowl 2: Eggs + water, beaten
-
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + paprika + remaining salt & pepper
2. Bread the Chicken:
-
Dredge chicken in flour → dip in egg → coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
3. Cook the Tenders:
Option A – Bake:
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Place tenders on a baking rack over a baking sheet (or just a greased sheet).
-
Lightly spray with oil or cooking spray.
-
Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Option B – Pan-Fry:
-
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Cook tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Drain on paper towels.
🧁 Easy Dipping Sauce Options:
1. Honey Mustard
-
¼ cup mayo
-
1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
-
1 tbsp honey
-
1 tsp lemon juice
2. Ranch Dip
-
¼ cup sour cream
-
2 tbsp mayo
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
Salt, pepper, and a bit of chopped parsley or dill
3. Spicy Mayo
-
¼ cup mayo
-
1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
-
½ tsp lime juice
Just mix each sauce’s ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.