Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk or water
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set up Breading Station:
   • Place flour in one shallow bowl.
   • In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
   • In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into the egg mixture, coating well.
   • Press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
4. Fry the Tenders:
   • Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • When the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), add the chicken tenders in batches.
   • Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, honey (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Serve:
   Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

If you’d like, I can help you write a baked or air fryer version too — just ask!