Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce recipe — crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely irresistible with your favorite dip!
🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying or shallow frying
🥣 Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 min (or up to overnight for max flavor).
2. Prepare the coating:
In a separate bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs (or cornflakes), paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
3. Coat the chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off) and coat well in the dry mix. Press down to ensure it sticks.
4. Fry:
Heat oil (about 350°F/175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry chicken tenders for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
🧁 Easy Dipping Sauce Ideas:
1. Honey Mustard:
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- Splash of lemon juice
2. Spicy Ranch:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Pinch of paprika
3. Garlic Aioli:
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste