Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Bychef kezay

Golden, crunchy, and delicious—these crispy chicken tenders are the perfect homemade comfort food that both kids and adults will love. Whether served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight dinner, these tenders are guaranteed to impress. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re irresistible!

📝 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 ½ lbs (about 700g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard):

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor).

2. Prepare the Breading Stations:

Set up three shallow bowls:

  • Bowl 1: Add flour with a pinch of salt and paprika.
  • Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
  • Bowl 3: Add the breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken:

Take each marinated chicken strip, dredge it in the flour, dip into the egg, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection:

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Tip: Place the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving tray and pair them with your homemade honey mustard sauce—or any dipping sauce you love!

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