Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce!

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Crispy Chicken Tenders with Three Dipping Sauces—great for a meal, appetizer, or party platter. This includes marinating, breading, frying (or baking/air frying), and homemade dipping sauces.

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 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor and tenderizing)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
  2. Add the chicken tenders and coat well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum tenderness.
  4. Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Use three shallow dishes:
  1. Flour Mixture: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Egg Wash:
  1. Beat the eggs.
  2. Panko Coating: Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
  2. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently.
  3. Dip into the beaten eggs.
  4. Press into panko breadcrumbs, coating thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Deep Fry

  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully add chicken tenders in batches. Don’t overcrowd.
  3. Fry for 4–6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Option 2: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet or directly on a parchment-lined tray.
  3. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Option 3: Air Fry

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray both sides of the tenders with cooking oil.
  3. Air fry in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

🥣 Dipping Sauce Trio

1.Honey Mustard
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Mix all ingredients until smooth. Chill before serving.
2. Spicy Ranch
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (sriracha or cayenne hot sauce)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat
  • Stir together and chill.
3. Garlic Parmesan Butter
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of parsley (optional)
  • Mix and serve warm for dipping or drizzle over hot tenders.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer to crisp back up.

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