Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a snack or a main course. Here’s a recipe for crispy chicken tenders paired with a tasty dipping sauce:
Crispy Chicken Tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil for frying (or use a deep fryer)
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken:
- If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Prepare the breading stations:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and water (or milk).
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Bread the chicken:
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. Set the breaded tenders aside.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to remove the chicken tenders and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces (see below for a few options).
Dipping Sauces:
1. Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix all ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.
2. Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
- Whisk everything together until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
3. Spicy Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Enjoy!
These crispy chicken tenders are perfect for dipping and are sure to be a crowd favorite.
