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Crispy Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan Dip

A stack of golden, crispy chicken tenders served with a dollop of creamy Garlic Parmesan Dip on a light plate.
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Follow these steps to make very crispy chicken tenders using a double breading technique, served with a homemade creamy garlic parmesan dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for second dredge)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying/baking)
  • For the Dip:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispiness.
  2. Set up the breading stations: In one shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and milk. In a third dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. First dredge: Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Wet coat: Dip the floured strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Second dredge (for extra crisp): Immediately coat the strip thoroughly in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  6. Cook the tenders (Frying method): Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  7. Cook the tenders (Air Fryer method): Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray tenders with cooking oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  8. Make the dip: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  9. Serve the hot, crispy chicken tenders immediately with the garlic parmesan dip.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, refrigerate the breaded tenders for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • If baking, place on a lightly oiled rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • You can make the dip up to one day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/crispy-chicken-tenders-garlic-parmesan-dip/