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Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Golden, crunchy chicken tenders seasoned to perfection and served with a bold and spicy dipping sauce. These homemade tenders are kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
  2. Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in panko.
  4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
  5. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
  6. For the dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Serve chicken tenders hot with spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes or use an air fryer.
  • Adjust heat level of the dipping sauce to your preference.
  • Panko adds extra crunch—don’t skip it!
  • Leftover tenders can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, spicy dipping sauce, homemade chicken fingers, fried chicken, sriracha sauce