Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce 

Golden, crispy, and juicy chicken tenders with a crunchy coating, served with a delicious dipping sauce!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken tenders, coating them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

2. Prepare the Breading

1. In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a second bowl, beat eggs.
3. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from the marinade.
2. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

4. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

(Air Fryer Option: Spray coated tenders with oil and air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.)

5. Make the Dipping Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve hot chicken tenders with dipping sauce and enjoy crispy, juicy goodness!

Tips & Variations

✅ Extra Crunch? Double-dip in egg and panko for a thicker crust.
✅ Spicy Kick? Add cayenne to the breading or use Buffalo sauce.
✅ More Dipping Sauces? Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo!

Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dinner, snacks, or game day!