Description
Crispy Chicken Tenders with a golden-brown crust and juicy interior, served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce. A healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, perfect for meals or snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders or boneless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil or spray
- For the dipping sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: a few drops of hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or set air fryer to recommended temperature.
- Prepare a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge chicken strips in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce to make the dipping sauce.
- Serve chicken tenders hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crunchiness.
- Can be frozen pre- or post-cooking for later use.
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for added flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg