Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are always a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re making them for a family meal, a party, or just a quick dinner, they’re super easy and tasty. Here’s a recipe to make them crispy and delicious, along with a few dipping sauce options.
Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chicken tenders:
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1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp water or milk
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2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
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Vegetable oil for frying (or you can bake them)
For the dipping sauce (optional but recommended!):
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Honey Mustard: 1/2 cup mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mayonnaise
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Ranch: 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
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BBQ Sauce: Store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken tenders:
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If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into strips about 1-inch wide.
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Set up the breading station:
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In one shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk).
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In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
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Bread the chicken:
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Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
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Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
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Fry the chicken tenders:
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Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small breadcrumb. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
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Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Once cooked, remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Serve:
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Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a platter and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces (like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ).
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Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders:
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Panko breadcrumbs give the tenders an extra crunchy texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs.
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For a healthier option, you can bake the tenders. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
These crispy chicken tenders are perfect for dipping and can be paired with almost any sauce you like!