Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Here’s a go-to recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders — golden, crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside — served with a choice of easy homemade dipping sauces.

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🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

👥 Serves: 4

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15–20 mins

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 mins)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper for heat

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in pan)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine chicken strips, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Let sit for at least 30 mins (or up to overnight in the fridge) for juicier tenders.

2. Prepare the Breading Station:

• Set up three bowls:

  1. Flour

  2. Beaten eggs

  3. Breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using)

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge chicken in flour → dip in egg → coat in breadcrumbs.

• Press breadcrumbs on firmly for max crispiness.

4. Fry Until Golden:

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

• Drain on paper towels.

✅ Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 mins, flipping halfway, spraying lightly with oil.

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🥣 Dipping Sauce Options

1. Honey Mustard

• 1/4 cup mayo

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

2. Classic Ranch

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tbsp buttermilk or milk

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp dried dill

• Salt & pepper to taste

3. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

• 1/4 cup mayo

• 1 tbsp sriracha

• 1 tsp lime juice

• Dash of garlic powder

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💡 Tips:

• Double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• For oven-baked tenders, place on a rack and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 mins.

• Try with sweet chili sauce, BBQ, or buffalo dip for even more variety.