Here is your FULL DETAILED RECIPE for Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce — juicy inside, super crispy outside, and perfect for weeknight dinners or parties! 🍗✨

🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Servings: 4

⭐ INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken Tenders

1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crispiness)
½ cup cornstarch
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
Oil for frying (or brushing if baking)

For the Dipping Sauce (Choose One or Make All!)

1. Honey Mustard Sauce

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt

2. Spicy Mayo

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha
½ tsp garlic powder

3. Ranch Yogurt Dip

¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
½ tsp lemon juice

🔪 INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare 3 shallow bowls:

Bowl 1:

Flour + cornstarch + salt + pepper

Bowl 2:

Beaten eggs + buttermilk

Bowl 3:

Breadcrumbs + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + oregano

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, shake off excess.
Then dip into the egg mixture.
Finally coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.
Press crumbs firmly so they stick.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

A) Frying (Crispiest)

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
Fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Place on a paper towel to drain.

B) Baking (Healthier)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment and spray with oil.
Place tenders on the tray and lightly spray tops with oil.
Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

C) Air Fryer (Best + Healthy)

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Spray basket and tenders lightly with oil.
Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark.

🔥 Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce(s)

Honey Mustard

Mix everything until smooth.

Spicy Mayo

Whisk until creamy.

Ranch Yogurt Dip

Stir together and chill 5 minutes.

🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve with fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Great in wraps and sandwiches too!
Add extra lemon wedges for brightness.

💡 TIPS & VARIATIONS

Want extra crispy? Double coat: dip twice in breadcrumbs.
Gluten-free: Use GF breadcrumbs + cornstarch only.
Kid-friendly: Reduce spices and skip paprika.
Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Meal prep: Freeze breaded tenders before cooking; fry/bake later.