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Crispy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Honey Dip

A stack of golden, crispy chicken tenders drizzled with spicy honey sauce, served with a side of dip.
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Make restaurant-style crispy chicken tenders at home using a double-dredge method, served with a simple sweet and spicy honey dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging stations. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs and milk together.
  4. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch. Mix them well.
  5. Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  6. Dip the floured strip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  7. Coat the strip thoroughly in the panko/cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Place coated tenders on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare the oil: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  9. Fry the tenders in batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
  10. Remove tenders and place them on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after removing from oil.
  11. Make the dip: While the tenders drain, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until fully combined.
  12. Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with the spicy honey dip.

Notes

  • For oven baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place tenders on a lightly oiled wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
  • The cornstarch in the breading mix helps create a lighter, crunchier coating.

Nutrition

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