Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible crunch and zesty flavor of Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders paired with a Spicy Dipping Sauce. Perfect for dinner, game day, or just a satisfying snack, this recipe will elevate your culinary game.

Ingredients

For the Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for desired heat)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Marinate Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders and patting them dry. For added flavor, marinate them in a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

2. Breading Setup: On three separate plates, set up your breading station. Place flour on the first plate, whisk the eggs in the second plate, and combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper on the third plate.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

3. Coat the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken tender and coat it in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering (around 350°F).
5. Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce

7. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well blended. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken a super crunchy texture. They can be found in most grocery stores.
• Oven Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken tenders at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
• Marinade Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the marinade, like cayenne pepper for extra heat or dried herbs for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders on a platter with a bowl of the Spicy Dipping Sauce in the center. Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Creative Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
• Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Baking: If you prefer a baked version, spray the breaded tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking to achieve a crispy texture.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its delightful crunch and zesty dip, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to suit your taste buds.

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, explore our Gourmet Cooking Section. Remember to share this recipe with fellow food lovers and encourage them to try their hands at creating this delightful dish! Happy cooking!