Here’s a detailed recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders with a Tangy Dipping Sauce perfect for a family meal, party appetizer, or snack.
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
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1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
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1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp milk
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2 cups (180g) panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
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½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
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Cooking oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For the Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard Sauce):
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¼ cup (60g) mayonnaise
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
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Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
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Bowl 1: Flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder (mix well)
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Bowl 2: Eggs beaten with milk
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Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese
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2. Bread the Chicken Tenders
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Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
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Press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating.
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Place coated tenders on a baking sheet or plate.
3. Cook the Chicken Tenders
Option A: Frying (for maximum crispiness)
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Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C if using a thermometer).
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Fry tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
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Drain on paper towels.
Option B: Baking (healthier option)
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Spray lightly with cooking spray.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust sweetness or tang to your liking.
5. Serve
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Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
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For extra flavor, marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
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You can swap panko for crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for different textures.
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Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
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Store leftover tenders in the fridge and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
