This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken tenders with a flavorful dipping sauce. It’s easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked tenders from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with the dipping sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the flour mixture.
- Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Marinades: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk or your favorite marinade for extra flavor before breading.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy chicken tenders!