Description
These Crispy Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy on the outside and tender inside, served with a zesty dipping sauce. Perfect for dinner, snacking, or parties, they’re quick to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast (cut into strips)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: one plate with flour, a bowl with beaten eggs, and another plate with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, tapping off the excess.
- Dip into the eggs, then coat evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat about ½″ of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper (if using) for the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes or pretzels for different textures.
- Add chili powder to breadcrumbs for heat.
- For a healthier option, bake instead of fry.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
- Make ahead by breading and refrigerating up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg