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
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko works well)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 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 flour, bread crumbs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Then, dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully 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, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 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, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture.
- Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk or your favorite marinade for extra flavor before breading.
Enjoy!