Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for crispy chicken tenders with a flavorful dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The chicken tenders are coated in a crispy, seasoned breading, and the dipping sauce adds a tangy and creamy element to each bite. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders:

– 1 pound chicken tenders

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 eggs, beaten

– Cooking oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise

– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Then, roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with all the chicken tenders.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and allow the chicken tenders to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the crispy chicken tenders to a serving platter and serve with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.

These crispy chicken tenders are perfect as a main course, served with a side of fries or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer for parties or game nights.

Variations

There are endless possibilities for customizing this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

– Add some heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the breadcrumb mixture.

– Experiment with different spices and herbs such as thyme, oregano, or smoked paprika.

– Try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or seasoned breadcrumbs, for added texture and flavor.

– For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

Tips

– Make sure to fully coat each chicken tender with the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.

– Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the oven.

– If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips instead.

– To make the chicken tenders even more flavorful, marinate them in buttermilk for a few hours before coating them with the breadcrumb mixture.

Conclusion

Crispy chicken tenders with a delicious dipping sauce are a crowd-pleasing favorite. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as an appetizer, these crispy chicken tenders are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs will take a bit longer to cook.

Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?

While these chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven to regain some of their crispiness. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to enjoy them immediately.