Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce are the ultimate comfort food that both kids and adults love. These golden, crunchy tenders are marinated for flavor, coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a dinner favorite, or a game day snack, these tenders are guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Paired with a creamy, zesty dipping sauce, this dish delivers a delicious balance of crunch, tenderness, and tangy flavor. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these homemade chicken tenders outshine any takeout version and will quickly become a regular favorite at your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
500 grams boneless chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
Oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken tenders by combining the chicken strips with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor and tenderness.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, add the breadcrumbs.
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take one piece at a time, coat it in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to make sure they stick well for maximum crunch.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a breadcrumb – it should sizzle instantly.
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each tender for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove the cooked tenders and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
To prepare the dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. You can also pair them with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
These crispy chicken tenders are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. They stay crunchy even after cooling slightly and the dipping sauce adds an extra burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish. You can also experiment by adding chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture to give the tenders your own twist. Try air-frying or baking them for a healthier version while still keeping the crunch intact.