Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce Recipe

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