Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a satisfying, golden-brown crunch. Perfectly seasoned chicken breast strips are coated in a light, crispy breadcrumb crust and fried to perfection, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, these tenders are great for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a party, or a casual snack. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders ready in no time!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into uniform strips. Pat the strips dry with a paper towel to ensure the breading sticks properly. - Set Up the Dipping Stations:
In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. - Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or mustard. - Serve:
Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot, paired with the homemade dipping sauce. Enjoy as a delicious snack or meal!
Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Tenders:
- For extra crunch, double dip the chicken by going through the egg and breadcrumb steps twice.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce for added flavor options.