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Chicken tenders have long been a beloved staple in many households, celebrated for their tender meat and versatility in meals. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a snack, these juicy strips of chicken are adored by both children and adults alike. Their mild flavor makes them an excellent canvas for various seasonings and sauces, allowing home cooks to experiment with different culinary styles.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce

Looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite? Try these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders paired with a delicious sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Perfectly marinated in buttermilk for tenderness and coated with a crunchy panko and Parmesan breading, these tenders are deliciously satisfying. With each bite, experience the explosion of flavors from the honey and sriracha dipping sauce. Ideal for serving at family dinners or parties, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

For the Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to desired spice level)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.

      - Add the chicken strips into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged and coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for a deeper flavor).

        Prepare the Breading:

          - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

            - In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.

              Bread the Chicken:

                - Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Let excess marinade drip off each strip before dredging. Coat each chicken strip in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.

                  Bake the Tenders:

                    - Lightly spray the tops of all chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to promote crispiness during baking.

                      - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the exterior is golden brown and crispy. To ensure even crunchiness, flip the tenders halfway through the baking time.

                        Make the Dipping Sauce:

                          - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

                            Serve:

                              - After baking, allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Arrange them on a serving platter alongside the sweet and spicy dipping sauce for an inviting presentation.

                                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 15 min | 4 servings

                                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing touch, garnish the platter with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Enjoy with colorful veggies or potato wedges on the side for a complete meal!