Here’s a simple beginner-friendly recipe for crispy chicken tenders with a tasty dipping sauce 🍗✨
🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking/air frying)
For the Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard Style):
- ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into flour → egg → breadcrumbs.
- Press breadcrumbs on gently so they stick well.
4. Cook the Chicken
Option 1 – Frying (crispiest):
- Heat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
Option 2 – Baking (healthier):
- Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Option 3 – Air Fryer (fast + crispy):
- Spray basket with oil.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
5. Make the Sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Stir until smooth.
6. Serve
- Serve chicken tenders hot with dipping sauce on the side.
👉 Would you like me to also give you 3 extra dipping sauce variations (like spicy, garlic, and BBQ-style) so you can switch flavors depending on your mood?
