Golden, Spiced, and Irresistibly Dippable
Few things hit the table with as much swagger as a plate of crispy chicken tenders. These aren’t your drive-thru tenders—they’re hand-battered, seasoned to perfection, and fried golden brown for that satisfying crunch in every bite. Inside, the chicken stays juicy and tender, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
And let’s talk sauce. Paired with a creamy, tangy dip made with mayo, ketchup, garlic, and Worcestershire, these tenders go from good to unforgettable. It’s the kind of recipe you whip up for game day, family dinners, or just because you’re craving something bold, crunchy, and homemade.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne powder (adjust for spice)
- Oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken tenders.
- In a bowl, season them lightly with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Make the Coating
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
- This blend creates a crisp, flavorful crust.
3. Dredge the Chicken
- Toss the chicken tenders in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- For extra crunch, dip in water or buttermilk, then dredge again.
4. Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Fry tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes, depending on thickness).
- Place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Plate the tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Double-dip for crunch: Coat the chicken twice (flour → water → flour) for an extra crispy crust.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the flour mix for fiery tenders.
- Meal vibes: Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad to make it a full meal.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix up the sauce the night before—it tastes even better after chilling.
About the Creator
This recipe is brought to you by CookedByJess ( @_cookedbyjess), a culinary creative known for crafting bold, comforting, and flavor-packed dishes that speak to the soul. From crispy bites to saucy mains, Jess’s kitchen creations bring culture and comfort straight to your plate.
CookedByJess | @_cookedbyjess