When it comes to comfort food, few dishes bring as much joy as a plate of golden, crispy chicken tenders. They’re the ultimate finger food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family, hosting a game-day party, or simply craving something satisfying, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy restaurant-style coating – no soggy tenders here. Tender and juicy inside – thanks to a simple buttermilk marinade. Perfect for all ages – kids love them, and adults can jazz them up with spicy sauces. Versatile – serve them as a main dish, snack, or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken tenders, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating
In one shallow bowl: whisk the eggs. In another: combine flour and breadcrumbs. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
3. Bread the Tenders
Dip chicken strips in flour mixture → then eggs → then back into flour mixture. Press firmly so the coating sticks well.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
(For baked version: 400°F for 18–20 minutes. For air fryer: 375°F for 12–14 minutes.)
5. Make the Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
With French fries or potato wedges for the classic diner-style meal. With a fresh green salad for a lighter option. As part of a party platter with multiple sauces: ranch, BBQ, buffalo, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Variations
Spicy Tenders – add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Parmesan Tenders – mix grated parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.
Gluten-Free – use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Make Ahead & Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat: For best crispiness, reheat in the oven or air fryer (not the microwave). Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice them into even strips so they cook evenly.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Baking or air frying makes them lighter but still crispy.
What sauces go well with chicken tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, buffalo, or even garlic aioli.
Final Thoughts
These crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce are everything you want in a comfort food dish: crunchy, juicy, and totally irresistible. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never settle for fast-food chicken strips again. Perfect for weeknight dinners, kids’ lunches, or party snacks—this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.