If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, packed with Asian-inspired flavors, and comes with a zingy twist, then you absolutely need to try this Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. The tender chicken strips are coated in a nutty sesame-studded panko crust and fried to golden perfection, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. Paired with a creamy, tangy, and spicy lime dipping sauce, this dish brings an exciting balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual dinner or party appetizer, these chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and kitchen favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with light tan crumb coating, in the center of which a raw piece of chicken is partially covered with the crumbs, showing a rough and grainy texture. To the right, a white bowl holds a raw chicken piece soaked in yellow oil, with the chicken smooth and pale pink in color, and the oil glossy and reflective around it. A baking tray with a metal grid rack is on the left side, with part of another crumb-coated chicken piece resting on it. The background is a white marbled surface with a small piece of chicken wrapped in parchment paper at the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect crunch, depth, and spice. From the crisp panko and sesame crust to the fresh lime in the dipping sauce, these ingredients combine for a harmony of taste and texture that’s hard to beat.

1½ pounds chicken tenders: The star protein, naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light base for the coating to cling to the chicken.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
1 egg: Acts as the binding agent so the crispy coating sticks beautifully.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken that signature crunchy texture.
¼ cup white sesame seeds: Adds nuttiness and a pretty speckled look.
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds: Provides a lovely contrast in color and a subtle earthiness.
Vegetable oil (for cooking): Needed for frying to achieve that golden, crisp finish.
½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the dipping sauce.
1 garlic clove (very finely minced or grated): Infuses the sauce with a punch of savory aroma.
3 tablespoons lime juice (from 1-2 limes): Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus zing.
2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste): Brings heat and depth to the sauce.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds umami and a hint of saltiness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Imparts a fragrant, toasted sesame flavor to the sauce.
Water (as needed): Used to adjust the sauce consistency for dipping or drizzling.

How to Make Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Coating Stations

Start by seasoning your flour generously with salt and pepper in a shallow dish—this seasoning infuses the chicken with flavor from the very first layer. In a second bowl, whisk your egg with a splash of water to loosen it up, ensuring an even coat. In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with both the white and black sesame seeds for that irresistible crunch speckled with nutty goodness. Preparing these separately helps keep each step clean and efficient.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour, then give it a gentle shake to remove any excess—this step is crucial to avoid clumping. Next, dunk the tender into the egg wash, coating all sides. Finally, press the chicken into the sesame-panko mixture, making sure it’s evenly covered. Don’t be shy about pressing those crumbs in to get a thick, even crust. Lay the coated tenders on a plate while you prepare the rest; seeing that crispy coating come together is half the fun!

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crisp

Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet to about 1/4-inch depth and get it nice and hot — a shimmering surface means it’s ready. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the tenders in the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until gloriously golden brown and crisp. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is downright addictive. To ensure safety, the chicken should reach at least 165 degrees F internally. Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack over a baking sheet so they don’t get soggy, and keep them warm in a low oven while finishing the batch.

Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, finely minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This sauce is where creamy meets spicy and tangy in the best way. If you want to drizzle it over a salad instead of dipping, add a bit of water to thin it out nicely. The vibrant flavors of this sauce are a perfect match for the crunchy chicken tenders and add that extra pop of excitement.

How to Serve Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe

A gray bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with bright green lettuce leaves and a single red radish. Two long, crispy strips covered in a mix of black and white seeds rest on the lettuce. A small silver cup of creamy light beige sauce is placed inside the bowl, surrounded by the lettuce. A woman's hand is holding one of the seed-covered strips, dipping it halfway into the sauce. The background is soft and light, with a white cloth slightly blurred behind the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions over the tenders to amp up the visual appeal and add a mild oniony crunch. A wedge of lime on the side is also fantastic for squeezing extra citrus brightness just before you dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair these chicken tenders with a crisp Asian slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or even a cool cucumber salad to balance the richness of the fried coating. Light vegetable stir-fries or edamame beans make wonderful accompaniments, keeping the meal vibrant and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party platter, serve the tenders on bamboo skewers or atop a bed of greens, encouraging everyone to dunk and munch easily. You can also create lettuce wraps with the tenders, sauce, and crunchy veggies for a hands-on, fun-to-eat experience. Presentation options are endless, making this recipe great for casual dinners or entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well and maintains much of its crispiness, especially if you reheat it carefully.

Freezing

If you want to save tenders for longer, freeze them after frying and cooling completely. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy this Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe any time without losing its delicious crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, it’s best to avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy texture intact. Instead, warm the tenders in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. The dipping sauce is perfect served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great lighter alternative. Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy as fried, but still delicious.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs work reasonably well, though panko gives that signature airy crunch. For a gluten-free version, try using crushed rice cereal or gluten-free panko.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The sriracha adds a mild to medium heat level that you can easily adjust to your taste. Start with less, and add more if you like it hot. The lime juice helps balance the spiciness perfectly.

Can I prepare the coating step ahead of time?

You can pre-mix the panko and sesame seed mixture several hours ahead, but it’s best to coat and fry the chicken just before serving for the crispiest results.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! Kids usually love the crispy texture and mild flavors. You can simply leave out or reduce the sriracha in the dipping sauce to keep it mild and family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that effortlessly brings joy to the table. The crispy exterior, tender chicken, and zesty sauce make for a combination that feels both comforting and exciting. Cooking it is straightforward, and sharing it will bring smiles all around. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Panko Sesame Chicken Tenders with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe