Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes Total Time: 30–35 minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4 servings Ingredients For the Chicken Tenders: 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black

Equipment

• 3 shallow bowls or plates
• Frying pan or deep fryer (or baking sheet and oven for baked version) ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(115); });
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(106); });
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water or milk
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations

1. Set up three shallow bowls or plates:
2. Flour mixture: Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(116); });
3. Egg wash: Beat eggs with water or milk.
4. Breadcrumbs: Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, coating evenly and shaking off excess.
3. Dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(118); });
4. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet or plate.

Option 1: Pan-Frying (Crispiest)

1. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering (~350°F/175°C).
2. Fry tenders in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
3. Drain on paper towels.

Option 2: Oven-Baking (Healthier)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(121); });
3. Lightly spray tenders with cooking spray or brush with oil.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal · Protein: 35g · Fat: 20g · Carbohydrates: 25g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 5g · Sodium: 550mg