These Crispy Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy, and irresistibly juicy, making them the perfect comfort food. Marinated in buttermilk for tenderness and coated in a seasoned crispy breading, they deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with a rich and flavorful dipping sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. Whether baked or fried, these tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornmeal (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- â…“ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to enhance tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, crispy coating.
Step 4: Fry or Bake
For Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For Baking:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the rack and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Serve alongside the crispy chicken tenders for dipping.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve hot with dipping sauce and a side of fries or coleslaw.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
These Crispy Chicken Tenders are packed with flavor and texture, making them a must-try for any occasion. Would you like variations, such as spicy or gluten-free options? 😊