Crispy Chicken Tenders are a universally loved dish, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to party appetizers. These golden-brown, crunchy tenders are made with a flavorful breading that locks in the juiciness of the chicken while delivering a satisfying crunch. Paired with a delicious dipping sauce, they become an irresistible treat. Whether baked or fried, these tenders are easy to make and can be customized with different seasonings and coatings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional Sauces: Ranch, BBQ, or spicy sriracha mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips, about ½ inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Submerge the chicken strips in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, 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 marinated chicken from the fridge.
- Dip each strip into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture for a double coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a tray and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
Step 4: Cooking Methods
Frying Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Baking Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a platter.
- Serve with honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy the crunchy, juicy goodness!
For a visual guide, check out this video tutorial on making crispy chicken tenders with garlic chili sauce! 🍗🔥