Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Here’s a complete recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders with a delicious dipping sauce—perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp milk

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

• Vegetable oil for frying

Optional: seasoning for breadcrumbs

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a little heat)

For the dipping sauce (honey mustard version):

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken:

   • Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.

   • In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

   • In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk.

   • In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with optional seasoning if using.

2. Coat the chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.

   • Dip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

   • Press gently to ensure breadcrumbs stick.

3. Fry the chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).

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

   • Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the dipping sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot chicken tenders with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side.