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To appreciate the Crunchy Delight Chicken Tenders fully, it’s essential to understand what chicken tenders are. Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers or strips, are cut from the pectoralis minor muscle of the chicken breast. This part of the chicken is known for its tenderness and is often favored for its ease of cooking. The popularity of chicken tenders spans across various cuisines, often appearing on menus in different forms, from classic breaded versions to spicy fried iterations.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Discover the joy of making homemade Crunchy Delight Chicken Tenders with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders feature a crispy panko coating and a flavorful dipping sauce that will elevate your meal. Learn about selecting the best ingredients, the three-step breading process, and cooking methods to achieve that irresistible crunch. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking from scratch while delighting your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)

Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

For the Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the spices are evenly mixed into the buttermilk. Add the sliced chicken strips, making sure they are completely submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but prefer to marinate for up to 12 hours to enhance flavor.

      Prep Breading Station:

        - Create a breading station with three shallow dishes:

          - In the first dish, mix the all-purpose flour with onion powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

            - Pour the leftover buttermilk (not the marinade) into the second dish.

              - In the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with cayenne pepper, if using, for an extra touch of heat.

                Bread the Chicken:

                  - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray.

                    - Remove each chicken strip from the marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture first, then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.

                      Bake:

                        - Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Give the tops a light spray of cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top to enhance crispiness.

                          - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

                            Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

                              - While the chicken tenders are baking, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the flavors based on your preference for sweetness and tanginess.

                                Serve:

                                  - Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm alongside the delicious homemade dipping sauce for a delightful snack or meal.

                                    Prep Time:

                                      15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                                        Enjoy your crunchy delight chicken tenders with the homemade dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!