Here’s a delicious recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce that’s perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer:
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (for a sweet touch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Set up a breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the chicken tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Fry the chicken tenders:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the chicken tenders to the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.