Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce A Delightful Homemade Recipe

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce: A Delightful Homemade Recipe

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Crispy chicken tenders are a favorite comfort food, and when paired with a delicious dipping sauce, they become even more irresistible. This homemade recipe ensures tender, flavorful chicken with a crispy, golden crust. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a party snack, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress your guests and family alike.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing the chicken tenders. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into long, even strips, about 1-inch wide, to create tenders.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will be your seasoned flour for dredging the chicken.
  3. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. This wet mixture will help the breading stick to the chicken.
  4. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. The panko creates a crispy, crunchy texture, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor.
  5. To coat the chicken, first dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
  6. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. You’ll want about 1/2 inch of oil for frying.
  7. Once the oil is hot (test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place the chicken tenders in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
  8. Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  9. While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot, accompanied by the dipping sauce. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish with your favorite sides.

Conclusion: These crispy chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing treat, combining tender chicken with a crunchy, flavorful coating. The homemade dipping sauce adds the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors to complement the chicken. Whether served at a family dinner, party, or game day, these tenders will always be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a delicious dish everyone will love.

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