Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

1️⃣ Prep:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) (or air fryer to 400°F/200°C).
• Set up three bowls:
  • 1st bowl: Flour + salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika.
  • 2nd bowl: Beaten eggs.
  • 3rd bowl: Panko + Parmesan (if using).

2️⃣ Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each tender in flour → egg → panko, pressing to coat well.

3️⃣ Cook:

• Oven: Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil. Bake 15-18 mins, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer: Cook in batches for 10-12 mins, flipping halfway.

4️⃣ Serve: Hot with dipping sauce!

🥣 Creamy Dipping Sauce (3 Ways!)

1. Classic Honey Mustard

• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice

2. Spicy Ranch

• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like sriracha)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

3. Smoky BBQ Mayo

• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

(Mix ingredients for each sauce in a small bowl. Chill until serving.)

🌟 Pro Tips:

• Extra crispy? Double-dip in egg + panko.
• Meal prep: Freeze unbreaded tenders for quick meals.
• Kid-friendly: Skip spices and serve with ketchup.

These tenders are juicy inside, crunchy outside—way better than fast food! 😋

Love heat? Add cayenne to the breading or dip! 🌶️