Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

There’s something timeless about crispy chicken tenders—golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Whether you’re cooking for kids, entertaining friends, or just craving comfort food, this recipe delivers restaurant-style tenders straight from your kitchen. The crunchy coating, paired with a flavorful dipping sauce, makes them irresistible.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast (cut into strips)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

Vegetable oil, for frying (or spray if baking/air frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional but recommended):

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using chicken breast, slice into even strips about 1 inch wide.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
2. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
3. Roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. Place on a wire rack or plate while preparing the rest.

Step 4: Cook the Tenders

Option 1: Frying (extra crispy)

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Drain on paper towels.

Option 2: Baking (lighter version)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper.

Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispness.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Option 3: Air Frying (best of both worlds)

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

Spray with cooking spray.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, and honey.

Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

These crispy chicken tenders are perfect on their own with dipping sauce, but you can also:

Serve them with French fries, coleslaw, or potato wedges.

Pair with a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.

Use them in wraps, sandwiches, or even chopped on top of salads.

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⭐ Tips for Success

Double breading (flour → egg → flour → egg → breadcrumbs) makes the crust even crunchier.

Buttermilk marinade: For extra tender chicken, soak strips in buttermilk for 1–2 hours before breading.

Season every layer: Add a little spice to the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for maximum flavor.

Keep them warm in a 200°F oven while cooking batches, so they stay crispy until serving.

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Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, these chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you try them with the homemade dipping sauce, you may never go back to store-bought!