This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken tenders with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 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
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the breading 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 breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, 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 mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with the dipping sauce.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the breading mixture.
- You can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy chicken tenders!