About the Recipe
These Crispy Chicken Tenders are golden, juicy, and full of flavor — everything you want in a homemade chicken recipe. You can fry, bake, or air fry them for the perfect crunch. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
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1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast (cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
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2 eggs, beaten
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Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
For the Dipping Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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A squeeze of lemon juice
🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
(This keeps the chicken tender and juicy.)
2. Prepare the Coating
Set up three bowls:
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Bowl 1: Flour
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Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
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Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
Dip each chicken strip in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, coating evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken
🔥 Frying Method:
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
🍃 Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Spray basket with oil. Air fry chicken tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🔥 Baking Option:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange tenders on a parchment-lined tray, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning once.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill before serving.
5. Serve
Serve crispy chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, fries, or a side salad.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
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Pair with fries, coleslaw, or garlic bread
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Add to wraps or sandwiches
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Serve with ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo sauce
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving)
Approx. 330 kcal, 35g protein, 12g fat, 15g carbs (varies by method).
💡 Tips
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For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer — cook in batches.
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Marinating longer makes the chicken softer and more flavorful.
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