country food

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

Golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor – these homemade crispy chicken tenders paired with a creamy garlic dip are perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a cozy snack anytime!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender – crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. Pair that with a creamy garlic dip, and you’ve got yourself a snack that no one can resist. This recipe is simple, quick, and way better than any takeout version. Whether you’re making it for your kids, a party, or just a treat for yourself, these chicken tenders are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

500g boneless chicken (cut into strips)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Oil for frying

For the Garlic Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp plain yogurt or sour cream
2 garlic cloves (minced or crushed)
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken strips in buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes the tenders super juicy.

Prepare the Coating:

In one bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another, beat the eggs. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Coat the Chicken:

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, coat in flour, dip into egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the coating sticks.

Fry or Bake:

To fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry tenders until golden brown and fully cooked (about 4-5 minutes per side).
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place tenders on a greased baking tray, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Make the Garlic Dip:

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot with garlic dip, ketchup, or honey mustard.
Add to wraps, sandwiches, or salads for a protein boost.
Great with fries or a side of coleslaw.

Tips & Tricks:

For extra crispiness, double-dip in flour and egg.
Add chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy twist.
Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch – don’t skip them!

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Yes! Freeze before or after cooking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Can I use chicken breast or thigh?

Both work great! Breast is leaner, but thigh gives a juicier result.

Is the garlic dip strong?

Not too strong – it’s creamy with a mellow garlic flavor. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.

Related Recipes:

Final Thoughts:

These crispy chicken tenders are everything you want in a snack – crunchy, tender, and absolutely crave-worthy. Paired with that creamy garlic dip, they’re hard to beat. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just simple, home-cooked comfort food made right.