Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce 🍗🔥
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless breasts, cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, rested 5 mins)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for 30 mins (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2️⃣ Bread the Tenders
- In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each tender: flour mix → buttermilk → panko, pressing to adhere.
3️⃣ Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet.
- Fry tenders 3-4 mins per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
- Whisk all dipping sauce ingredients until smooth.
5️⃣ Serve Hot
- Garnish with parsley and serve with sauce, ketchup, or ranch.
🔥 Pro Tips:
- Oven Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins on a greased rack.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour + gluten-free panko.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne to the flour mix.
YUMMY! 😋 Tag 3 friends who need this recipe! 👇
Pair with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad. Want a spicier sauce or air fryer version? Ask below! 🍟