Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Here’s a recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders that are juicy on the inside and super crunchy on the outside — plus 3 optional dipping sauces to go with them!

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🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders

🔸 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)

• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Breading:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp milk or water (for egg wash)

• Optional: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken (optional but recommended):

   • Mix chicken tenders with buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

   • Let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.

2. Prepare breading station:

   • Bowl 1: Flour, cornstarch, spices.

   • Bowl 2: Whisked eggs + milk.

   • (Optional Bowl 3: Panko for outer coating.)

3. Bread the chicken:

   • Remove tenders from marinade.

   • Dredge in flour mix → dip in egg wash → dredge again in flour OR press into panko for a crunchier finish.

   • Place on a tray and let sit 10 minutes (helps coating stick).

4. Fry:

   • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.

   • Fry chicken tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

   • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

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🥣 Dipping Sauces (3 Easy Options)

1. Honey Mustard Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1½ tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

2. Spicy Ranch

• ¼ cup ranch dressing

• 1–2 tsp hot sauce (like Frank’s)

• Pinch of cayenne or chili powder

3. Garlic Parmesan

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Dash of black pepper

• Mix and drizzle or dip!

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Let me know if you want a baked or air fryer version too — I’ve got those options!