Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, delivering juicy chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, golden crust. These tenders are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an irresistible choice for kids and adults alike. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo. This recipe is easy to make and guarantees restaurant-quality crispiness right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
-
½ cup buttermilk or regular milk
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp chili powder (optional for spice)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
-
Dipping sauce of choice (honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo)
Instructions
-
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk. In another shallow dish, place breadcrumbs.
-
Dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently so they stick firmly to the chicken.
-
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in small batches and fry for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Just
These Crispy Chicken Tenders are easy to make, taste amazing, and are perfect for family dinners, parties, or game nights.
Servings
Serves 4 people
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Notes
For extra crunch, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps once more. Baking or air frying the tenders instead of deep frying also works well for a lighter version. Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest results.
Tips
-
Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before coating for extra tenderness.
-
Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to keep the tenders crispy.
-
Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
-
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
-
Pair with homemade sauces like garlic aioli, buffalo dip, or creamy ranch for variety.
Health Benefits
Chicken tenders, when made at home with quality ingredients and minimal oil, can be a good source of lean protein. Protein helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full for longer. Using whole-grain breadcrumbs or baking them instead of frying can reduce fat intake and add fiber. Chicken also provides essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus, which support metabolism and bone health.