There was one dinner night when my kids begged for Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce like never before. It was a busy weekday, and I wanted something quick and satisfying that could bring us all together after a chaotic day. When I served these crispy chicken strips, the smiles around the table were instant. The homemade chicken tenders were golden and crunchy, paired with an easy chicken dipping sauce that had just the right tang and kick. It was clear this recipe was going to stick around in our meal rotation.
What’s wonderful about Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce is how it turns a simple meal into a special occasion at our dinner table. Everyone loved dipping those breaded chicken tenders into the sauce and chatting about their day. Even my picky eaters asked for seconds, which is always a win. After lots of trial and error, I found the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, and the dipping sauce is an easy addition that adds so much personality to those fried chicken fingers.
I invite you to try this Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce for your family. It’s straightforward enough for busy nights, yet comforting enough to feel like a treat. Plus, it’s versatile—great for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or weekend gatherings. This recipe truly brings people together around the table, creating not just a meal but memories.
What You’ll Need
For the best Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce, I keep the ingredient list simple and easy to shop for at your regular grocery store. This recipe uses items you likely already have on hand, and if you need to swap out anything, I’ve got some tips for substitutions to make it work.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work beautifully for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds color and a mild smoky note)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 cups depending on your pan size)
For the easy chicken dipping sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the best Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce, I recommend using fresh chicken and good-quality breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give you that light, crispy crust we look for in breaded chicken tenders. If you’re out of Panko, regular breadcrumbs will still work—just know it might not be quite as crispy. My family prefers the dipping sauce with a touch of Dijon—it balances the fried chicken fingers perfectly without being too sweet.
If you want to lighten this up a bit, you could bake the breaded chicken tenders instead of frying, which still gives a nice crunch. And if you have gluten sensitivities, gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs work well here. Remember to pat the chicken dry before you start dredging it; it helps the breading stick and keeps your Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce from getting soggy.
How to Make It
Making Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce feels like a breeze when you know the steps. It usually takes me around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and frying. Here’s how I get it right every time:
- Prep your chicken and set your stations: First, if you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide to mimic tender pieces. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken strips: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s coated lightly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, coating well for that perfect crispy finish.
- Preheat and heat your oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F or until a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately and browns within 30 seconds.
- Fry your chicken tenders: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place chicken strips in the hot oil. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the chicken cooks.
- Drain and rest: Use tongs to transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Don’t skip the wire rack if you can; it keeps them crispier than paper towels. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving—the juices settle, and the coating sets perfectly.
- Mix up the easy chicken dipping sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce—I’d overcrowd the pan and end up steaming instead of frying. Now I remember to work in batches, and that makes a big difference in getting that crisp crust. Don’t worry if your first batch cools down while you fry the rest; you can keep them in a warm oven at low heat for a few minutes.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce comes out with a side of crispy fries or roasted veggies. My family loves it best with a fresh salad or simple steamed green beans. The combination of crunchy chicken strips and easy chicken dipping sauce makes a meal that’s satisfying and fun.
This meal shines on busy weeknights when you want something filling but fuss-free. It’s also perfect for casual weekend get-togethers with kids or friends. Add a platter of cut veggies or some mac and cheese for a crowd-pleasing spread. Presentation is simple but effective—serve the chicken tenders stacked on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauce on the side for a colorful, inviting meal.
Leftovers? No problem! Crispy chicken tenders keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
If your family loves Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce, they’ll also enjoy a twist with a lemon parmesan breading or swapping in chicken thighs for juicier meat. For more ideas to go with your meal, check out another recipe favorite like chicken with Boursin sauce, or try chicken and potatoes Dijon sauce recipe for a cozy dinner option. If you like Asian flavors, the Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce bring a nice contrast to the fried chicken fingers.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the breading step and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before frying. The dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Just fry the chicken fresh to keep the tenders crispy.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work well too, though Panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture. You can also crush cornflakes or use crushed crackers for a different kind of breading.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative. Arrange breaded chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get crispy chicken strips but with less oil. For more oven-fried chicken ideas, check out Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders with Garlic-Herb Yogurt Dip …
How do I store leftover Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Can I freeze these homemade chicken tenders?
Yes. Freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, fry or bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to cooking time.
What should I serve with the dipping sauce?
This easy chicken dipping sauce is versatile and pairs well with vegetables, fries, or even as a spread on sandwiches made with leftover chicken tenders.
Any tips for extra crispy breaded chicken tenders?
Pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick. Use Panko breadcrumbs for crunch, and make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Work in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady. For more community tips, see discussions like Best chicken fingers with flavor, not overly breaded. You might also enjoy the Crispy Lemon Parmesan Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders for a bright twist.
The Final Word
This Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce recipe has earned its place in our family’s meals for good reasons. It’s simple, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table happy and ready to share stories. The crunch of breaded chicken tenders paired with that flavorful easy chicken dipping sauce is a combo that wins every time.
My Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce Tips:
- Always pat your chicken dry before breading—this keeps the crust crisp and helps it stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; it keeps the oil hot and chicken crispy.
- Make your dipping sauce while the chicken cooks to save time and have everything ready to serve.
Variations I love: swapping all-purpose flour for seasoned breadcrumbs, adding grated Parmesan to the breading for extra umami, or using spicy paprika in the dipping sauce for a subtle heat. My kids like it classic, while my husband enjoys a little twist with lemon zest added to the breading.
This Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce is a recipe you can make your own. I hope your family finds the same comfort and joy around the dinner table as mine does with this meal. Give it a try and make some fun mealtime memories. For more flavorful chicken meals that bring the family together, try chicken with Boursin sauce or chicken and potatoes Dijon sauce recipe, both perfect companions for your Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce.
You’ve got this in your kitchen—happy cooking!
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
These crispy chicken tenders are golden, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, served with a tangy dipping sauce for a delicious snack or meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain cooked tenders on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to prepare the dipping sauce.
- Serve chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
For an extra crispy texture, double dip the chicken tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating step.