Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or oil of your choice) for frying
For the Dipping Sauces (optional):
- Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Ranch Dressing:
- Use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
- BBQ Sauce:
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and tangy dip.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips to create tenders.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Set up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Bread the Chicken Tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the chicken in the egg wash, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well to the chicken.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of breadcrumbs in—it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
- Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to turn the chicken tenders to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once the tenders are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauces:
- For Honey Mustard: In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- For Ranch Dressing: Simply serve store-bought ranch or make your own if preferred.
- For BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
7. Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauces on the side. You can also serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.