Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Serves: 4 Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 15–20 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
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500 g (about 1 lb) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (extra crispy)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp chili powder (optional)
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1 large egg
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Dipping Sauce (Creamy Honey Mustard)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
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Salt & pepper to taste
🍗 Directions (Step by Step)
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
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Place chicken tenders in a bowl.
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Pour buttermilk over them and mix well.
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Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes (this keeps the chicken juicy).
2️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station
Set up 3 shallow bowls:
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Bowl 1: Flour + salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder
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Bowl 2: Egg, beaten well
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Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs or panko
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
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Remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
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Coat in flour mixture → shake off excess.
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Dip into egg.
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Roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so it sticks.
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Place on a plate and repeat.
💡 Extra crispy tip: Double dip (egg → breadcrumbs again).
4️⃣ Fry the Chicken
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Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–355°F).
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Fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd).
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Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Remove and drain on paper towels.
✔ Chicken should be crispy outside and fully cooked inside.
🥣 Make the Dipping Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and lemon juice.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill for 10 minutes for best flavor.
🔥 Optional Cooking Methods
Oven-Baked (Healthier)
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Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
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Place tenders on a greased baking tray
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Spray lightly with oil
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Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer
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Preheat to 190°C / 375°F
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Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping once
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or salad
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Add extra sauces: ketchup, BBQ, ranch, or spicy mayo