Dinner

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Name: Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp lemon juice; Salt, to taste

ByMariem August 1, 2025August 1, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Crispy chicken tenders served with a bold, spicy dipping sauce—perfect for a snack, appetizer, or easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these homemade chicken tenders are delicious on their own and even better dunked in spicy, flavorful sauce. A crowd pleaser that’s simple to make and fun to eat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenderloins or strips
Flour and/or breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp)
Eggs and milk for dredging
Spicy dipping sauce: chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar
Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
Oil for frying or baking

Directions

Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder.
Dredge in flour, then dip in egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through, or bake on a lined pan at 200 °C (400 °F) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
In a bowl, combine chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, garlic, and vinegar to taste.
Serve tenders hot with dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves about 4. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: about 15–25 minutes depending on method. Total time: ~30–40 minutes.

Variations

Use panko for extra crunch or cornflakes breadcrumbs for a unique texture.
Make sauce barbecue‑spicy with smoky chipotle or sriracha and maple syrup.
Try oven‑air‑fried version for a healthier option.
Add seasoning spices like cumin, cayenne, or herbs to breadcrumb mix.

Storage/reheating

Store tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Sauce can be refrigerated separately up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast strips?

Yes—cut breast into even strips; they may cook faster than tenderloins.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely—bake at 200 °C (400 °F), turning halfway for even crisping.

Is it possible to air fry them?

Yes—air fry at 200 °C for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

Adjust level by varying hot sauce or chili sauce amount; start mild then add more.

Can I prepare tenders ahead?

Yes—coat and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking for convenience.

Is this gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs; check the sauce ingredients.

What dipping sauces work well?

Honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or garlic‑herb dips complement well.

How do I keep them crispy after reheating?

Reheat in oven or air fryer rather than microwave to retain crunch.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in oven.

Can I make them spicy?

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to breadcrumb mix for extra heat.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce combine crunchy texture, flavorful chicken, and a zesty sauce for irresistible finger food—perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend snacking

Mariem