🍗 Crispy Chicken Tenders
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for crunch!)
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½ cup regular breadcrumbs (optional, for color)
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Cooking spray or a little oil (for baking/air frying)
Instructions
🔸 Prep the Coating Stations
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In one bowl: add flour.
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In a second bowl: whisk eggs.
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In a third bowl: mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
🔸 Coat the Chicken
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Pat the chicken dry.
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Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
Cooking Methods
🔹 Oven Method
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Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
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Arrange tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Spray lightly with oil or cooking spray.
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Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
🔹 Air Fryer Method
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Spray basket lightly with oil.
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Air fry tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
🥣 Dipping Sauce Options
🔸 Honey Mustard
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
🔸 Garlic Ranch Dip
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried dill or parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
🔸 Spicy Sriracha Mayo
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
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1 tsp lime juice
✅ Tips
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Double coat the tenders (egg → crumbs → egg → crumbs again) for extra crunch.
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Marinate chicken in buttermilk + a dash of hot sauce for 1 hour before breading — it keeps them tender.
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Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer to stay crispy.
Would you like me to give you a KFC-style version or a healthier baked-buttermilk version next?
