Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1½ lbs chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard):

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken:
    • Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
    • Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for extra tenderness).
  2. Set Up Breading Stations:
    • In one bowl, combine flour (and panko if using).
    • In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Bread the Chicken:
    • Remove chicken from marinade.
    • Dip each piece in flour mixture, then egg, then back in flour (double-dip for extra crispiness).
  4. Fry the Tenders:
    • Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
    • Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, mix together all dipping sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve hot chicken tenders with dipping sauce on the side.

Optional sides: Fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad!

Let me know if you want a baked or air fryer version too!

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