Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use olive oil for a lighter option)
- For the Dip Trio:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky dip)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken tenders. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This combo brings extra crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dunk it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the tender into the panko mixture, making sure every inch is covered. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully place the tenders in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid crowding. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispy rather than soggy.
- While the chicken rests, prepare your dip trio. For the honey mustard dip, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
- For the smoky dip, combine sour cream, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and chopped chives.
- The spicy dip comes together by mixing sour cream, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the heat to your family’s preferences.
- Serve the tenders hot alongside the three dips. Watching everyone dive in and customize their bites always brings a smile to my face—it’s like a mini celebration at our dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International