Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard & Ranch):
Honey Mustard:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ranch:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh if preferred)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
-
Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper. -
Set up the Breading Station:
In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using). -
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Repeat with all the tenders.
2. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
-
Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small amount of breadcrumbs—if they sizzle immediately, the oil is ready. -
Fry the Tenders:
Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can use tongs to flip them gently. -
Drain:
Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Dipping Sauces:
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ranch Sauce:
- In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a plate or serving platter.
- Serve with both honey mustard and ranch dipping sauces on the side for your guests to enjoy.
Tips & Variations:
-
For Extra Crispy Tenders:
Double bread the chicken tenders by dipping them in the flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs, and then repeating the egg wash and breadcrumbs. This extra layer will give them an even crunchier coating. -
Air-Fried Option:
To make these tenders a little healthier, you can air fry them. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the chicken tenders with a light coat of oil and cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. -
Spicy Variation:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick. You can also add a bit of hot sauce to the ranch or honey mustard sauce for extra heat. -
Baking Option:
If you prefer to bake the chicken tenders instead of frying, place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are simple to make, and they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike. The crispy exterior and tender interior pair perfectly with creamy, tangy dipping sauces. Enjoy!