Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce (Crispy, Juicy & Irresistible)

Few meals are as universally loved as crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce. Golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and endlessly customizable, chicken tenders are a go-to favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, packing them for lunch, or offering them as party food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Paired with a selection of easy homemade dipping sauces, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

Crispy outside, tender inside
Simple pantry ingredients
Baked or fried options
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Perfect for dipping, wraps, or salads

They’re easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken Tenders

1½ lb (700 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oil for frying or baking spray

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Stations

Set up three shallow bowls:

Flour seasoned with salt and pepper
Eggs whisked with milk
Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and spices

This classic dredging method ensures a crispy, well-coated tender.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Pat chicken dry. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pan-Fried Method (Extra Crispy)

Heat ½ inch oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Baked Method (Lighter Option)

Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place tenders on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Homemade Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard Sauce

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Sweet, tangy, and perfect with crispy chicken.

Classic Ranch Dip

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy and cool, a timeless favorite.

Spicy Sriracha Mayo

½ cup mayonnaise
1–2 tablespoons sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice

Perfect for those who love a little heat.

BBQ Dipping Sauce

½ cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Smoky, sweet, and bold.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

Pat chicken dry before breading
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Season every layer for maximum flavor
Let tenders rest 2 minutes after cooking

Flavor Variations

Crispy Buffalo Tenders

Toss cooked tenders in warm buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.

Parmesan Herb Tenders

Add Italian seasoning and extra Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Method

Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serving Ideas

With fries or sweet potato wedges
In wraps or sandwiches
On top of salads
As party appetizers
With veggie sticks and dipping sauces

Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and fit into almost any meal plan.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked tenders up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders up to 2 months
Reheat: Oven or air fryer for best crispiness

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the coating.

Final Thoughts

These chicken tenders with dipping sauce are crispy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. With simple ingredients and easy cooking methods, they’re a reliable favorite that works for family dinners, casual gatherings, and snack cravings alike.