Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Here’s a classic and crowd-pleasing recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce — golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with a selection of irresistible sauces. Great for family dinners, game day, or snacks!

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🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders

🧂 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips

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

• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (canola, peanut, or sunflower), for frying

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🔥 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

   • Add chicken strips, coat well, and marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

2. Prepare the Breading:

   • In another bowl, combine flour, panko, cornstarch, and seasonings.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).

   • Dredge each piece in the flour-panko mixture, pressing to adhere well.

   • Place breaded tenders on a tray and let rest for 10 minutes to help coating stick.

4. Fry:

   • Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).

   • Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

   • Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

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🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas:

1. Honey Mustard

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice
  (Mix well and chill)

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2. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

• ¼ cup mayo

• 1 Tbsp sriracha

• 1 tsp lime juice

• Pinch of garlic powder

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3. Buttermilk Ranch

• ¼ cup mayo

• 2 Tbsp sour cream or yogurt

• 1–2 Tbsp buttermilk

• ½ tsp each: dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

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4. BBQ Sauce

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.

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🧊 Tips & Variations:

• Baking option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Lightly spray with oil for better browning.

• Air fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

• Add parmesan cheese to the breading for extra flavor.

• Swap panko with crushed cornflakes for ultra crunch!