Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

 Here’s a delicious recipe for Crispy Chicken Tenders, complete with a flavorful dipping sauce. These tenders are perfect for a family dinner or as a party snack!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

• For the Dipping Sauce:

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

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to tenderize the chicken.

2. Prepare the Breading:

   • In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • In another shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.

4. Heat the Oil:

   • In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).

5. Fry the Chicken Tenders:

   • Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.

6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips:

• For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
• Feel free to customize the dipping sauce by adding herbs, spices, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Enjoy your Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce! They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!