Crispy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Chili Sauce

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Crispy chicken tenders are a weeknight favorite that never disappoints. Coated in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce, these tenders are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the irresistible crunch of chicken tenders with the sweet and spicy kick of chili sauce. It’s a straightforward dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it the ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Flavor-Packed: The sweet chili sauce elevates every bite.
• Customizable: Perfect for dipping or on top of salads.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance for a stress-free dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Sauce

1. Start by preparing your chicken. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
3. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Once all the chicken is cooked, drizzle the sweet chili sauce over the tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this ensures a crispy crust.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
• If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Easy Variations

• Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
• Use different sauces like buffalo, honey mustard, or ranch for dipping.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

What to Serve With It

• Crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Sweet potato fries or regular fries for a classic pairing
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy side
• Rice or quinoa to soak up the sweet chili sauce

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Recipe Card