These homemade crispy chicken tenders are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, they’re perfect for everything from family dinners to game-day snacks. You can fry them for maximum crunch, bake them for a lighter touch, or air-fry for a guilt-free crisp. The dipping sauce—choose between honey mustard or ranch—adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating, optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Dipping Sauce (choose one or both):
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
⚪ Ranch Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
- Place chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge. This step helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
2. Set Up a Dredging Station
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cook the Tenders
🍳 Frying:
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tenders on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Frying:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray tenders lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce
- Mix all ingredients for your chosen sauce in a bowl.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the crispy tenders hot with your dipping sauce of choice.
- Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Double coat for extra crunch: After the first breadcrumb layer, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs: They give a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Customize the spice: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts:
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. With a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, they’re versatile enough for weeknight dinners, party platters, or even meal prep. The dipping sauces—whether tangy honey mustard or creamy ranch—elevate the dish into something truly crave-worthy.
Would you like a spicy buffalo version next? Or maybe a Korean-style twist with gochujang glaze?