Fried Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Fried chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these tenders come with a flavorful horseradish dipping sauce that adds a zesty kick.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 24 chicken tenderloins
- 2 quarts oil for frying
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the coating stations by placing the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs mixed with water in a second bowl, and Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs in a third.
- Step 2: Lightly season the chicken tenderloins with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Coat each tenderloin by dipping first into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Step 4: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Carefully fry the coated tenders in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the tenders and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, prepared horseradish, mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to make the dipping sauce.
- Step 8: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double-dip the tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps before frying.
- Substitute Italian-style bread crumbs with panko for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Try serving with coleslaw or BBQ ranch dressing for a tasty twist.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What can I use if I don’t have horseradish for the dipping sauce?
If you don’t have horseradish, you can substitute with a small amount of hot sauce or finely grated horseradish root if available. Alternatively, omit it for a milder sauce and increase mustard slightly to maintain flavor balance.
Print
Fried Chicken Tenders with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Fried Chicken Tenders coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and served with a creamy horseradish dipping sauce. Perfectly golden and juicy, these tenders are quick to prepare and sure to be a family favorite snack or meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 24 chicken tenderloins
- 2 quarts oil for frying
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the coating stations: Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. Place the Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs in a third bowl. These stations will make the breading process smooth and efficient.
- Season the chicken: Lightly sprinkle the chicken tenderloins on all sides with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a mild spicy kick and enhanced flavor.
- Coat the tenders: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten egg mixture, and finally press gently into the seasoned breadcrumbs ensuring a thorough and even coating.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy deep skillet, heat 2 quarts of oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is important for crispiness without overcooking.
- Fry until golden: Carefully place the breaded tenders in the hot oil in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 4–5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Drain excess oil: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the cooked tenders and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil for a crisp finish.
- Mix dipping sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, prepared horseradish, mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until smooth for a tangy and creamy accompaniment.
- Serve hot: Serve the fried chicken tenders immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. They pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw or BBQ ranch dressing for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked tenders.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain consistent temperature and crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature to guarantee food safety.
- For crispier crust, double dredge tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried chicken tenders, crispy chicken, breaded chicken, chicken appetizer, homemade chicken tenders
