There’s nothing more satisfying than biting into a crispy, golden chicken tender that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These homemade chicken tenders are coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to crispy perfection. Served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce and a side of fries, they make the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a casual family dinner, a game-night snack, or a weekend treat, these tenders will surely impress. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s packed with flavor and crunch!
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 500g chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)
- Oil for frying
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the chicken tenders. Cut the chicken breasts into strips of equal size, ensuring they cook evenly. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you want a spicy kick). Submerge the chicken strips in this marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the crispy coating. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs, which will give the tenders their signature crunch. The key to extra crispy chicken tenders is the combination of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, remove each strip from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well, creating a thick, crunchy layer. Repeat this process for each chicken strip.
4. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces halfway. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s time to fry. Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tenders from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken tenders are frying, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce if desired.
6. Rest and Serve:
Allow the chicken tenders to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to maintain their crispiness. Serve them hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Pair with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
These crispy chicken tenders are the perfect blend of crunch and juiciness, complemented by a creamy and spicy dipping sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or a tasty snack, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of the flavorful chicken, the crunchy coating, and the zesty sauce makes this recipe a go-to for anyone craving comfort food. Enjoy these tenders with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this crispy, golden goodness!