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Extra Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders with a Fiery Sriracha-Honey Dip

Close-up of golden brown Crispy Chicken Strips with Spicy Dip, one strip broken open showing juicy white meat.
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Follow these steps to make chicken tenders with a very crunchy coating, served with a simple spicy and sweet dipping sauce. The recipe includes instructions for deep frying and air frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (if deep frying)
  • 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place chicken strips in a bowl. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Set up the dredging station: You will use a three-step process: flour mixture, egg wash, and then the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the chicken: Take one chicken strip and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place coated strips on a wire rack.
  4. Make the dip: Whisk together the sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Cook the chicken (Deep Fry Method): Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 4-5 strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  6. Cook the chicken (Air Fry Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated chicken strips with cooking spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  7. Serve immediately with the spicy dip.

Notes

  • For the crispiest coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.
  • If baking or air frying, spraying the coated chicken with a light layer of oil helps the exterior brown and crisp up properly.
  • To check if the oil is hot enough for frying, drop a few stray flour crumbs in; they should sizzle immediately and float to the top within a few seconds.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/crispy-chicken-strips-with-spicy-dip/