Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce – Golden, Crunchy, and Addictive 🍗✨

These crispy chicken tenders are the real deal—juicy inside, golden and crunchy outside, and perfect for dunking in your favorite sauces. Whether you’re cooking for kids, game day, or a simple weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleaser hits the spot every time. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re easy to make and even easier to love! 😍

Why These Chicken Tenders Are So Darn Good

This recipe creates ultra-crispy tenders without deep frying. A flavorful breadcrumb coating and high-heat baking or pan-frying method deliver that satisfying crunch. Pair with dipping sauces, and you’ve got a restaurant-style experience at home.

Best Parts About This Recipe

• Versatile: Bake, air fry, or pan-fry based on your kitchen setup.
• Healthier than takeout: Less oil, more flavor!
• Kid-approved: Great for school lunches or picky eaters.
• Customizable: Choose your breadcrumb style and spice level.

Chef Favorites & Tips

“Season every layer—flour, eggs, and crumbs. It’s what separates good tenders from unforgettable ones.” — Gordon Ramsay

“Add grated Parmesan to your breadcrumb mix. It gives an umami punch and extra crisp.” — Ina Garten

“Buttermilk marinade is key if you want juicy chicken that doesn’t dry out.” — Bobby Flay

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tenders

🍗 For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless breast (cut into strips)
• ½ cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil, for baking/frying

🧄 Optional Marinade (Highly Recommended)

• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp salt

🥣 For the Dipping Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
• Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)

How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep & Optional Marinade

If time allows, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Preheat Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease an air fryer basket.

Step 3: Breading Station

• Place flour in one shallow dish.
• Beat eggs with 1 tbsp water in a second dish.
• Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third dish.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mix. Press to coat evenly. Arrange on prepared sheet or basket.

Step 5: Cook

• Bake: Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
• Air Fry: Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
• Pan-Fry: Shallow fry in oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, honey, and spices. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with dipping sauce and sides like fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad. 🥗

Nutrition & Health Info

Approx. per serving (3 tenders + sauce): ~330–400 kcal, 25–30g protein

FAQs About Crispy Chicken Tenders

1. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a 1:1 GF flour substitute.

2. Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely. Baking at high heat still delivers crisp results with less oil.

3. What’s the best dipping sauce?

Try honey mustard, ranch, buffalo, or sweet chili in addition to the recipe above.

4. Can I freeze them?

Yes—freeze after breading or after cooking. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

5. What sides go well?

Try mashed potatoes, fries, steamed veggies, or mac & cheese.

6. Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes—cut into strips. They’re juicier but slightly higher in fat.

7. Are panko crumbs better?

Panko delivers a crunchier texture, ideal for oven or air fryer methods.

8. How long will they stay crispy?

Best served fresh, but they stay crispy for up to 2 hours uncovered.

9. Can kids help make these?

Yes—dipping and breading are great hands-on tasks for little chefs (with supervision).

10. Can I double the batch?

Yes—perfect for parties or meal prep. Use two trays for even cooking.

More Family Favorites

Check out more easy meals at Fresh Toner Hungar:

• Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Easy Chicken Sliders

Once you try these Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce, you’ll never settle for frozen again. Juicy, golden, and endlessly dippable—these are a must-make recipe for your table. 🍗🔥