Legendary Goldfingers from Dave & Buster's feature crispy chicken tenders wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating, served with a tangy dipping sauce, delivering a savory and satisfying snack experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Sheet pan liners (parchment paper or foil)
- Sauce ramekins
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
When preparing Legendary Goldfingers, use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor. Ensure the panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes are evenly mixed to achieve the signature crispy coating. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in the flour blend enhances the savory taste of the chicken. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to maintain a golden, crunchy exterior without burning. Your dipping sauce is key--mix ranch dressing, honey mustard, and hot sauce for the tangy complement that makes Legendary Goldfingers from Dave & Buster's a standout snack.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels on cutting board.
- Set up three mixing bowls:
- a. First bowl: whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- b. Second bowl: whisk eggs and milk.
- c. Third bowl: mix panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes.
- Dredge each chicken tender in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, coating completely.
- Press chicken tender into breadcrumb-cornflake mixture to coat evenly.
- Place coated tenders on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Using tongs, carefully lower tenders into preheated oil in deep fryer.
- Fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding, about 4–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer (should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer fried tenders to cooling rack placed over sheet pan to drain excess oil.
- To make dipping sauce, mix ranch dressing, honey mustard, and hot sauce in a ramekin.
- Serve crispy chicken tenders hot with prepared sauce.
Substitution
Legendary Goldfingers from Dave & Buster's copycat menu feature chicken tenders with a crispy, golden coating that combines panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. If you don't have cornflakes on hand, crushed tortilla chips or crushed crispy rice cereal can be used as effective substitutes to maintain texture. When frying, maintaining vegetable oil at 350degF ensures a perfectly crisp exterior without overcooking the chicken inside. Using a meat thermometer is key to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF, guaranteeing food safety. Your dipping sauce can be easily customized by adjusting the ratios of ranch dressing, honey mustard, and hot sauce to suit your preferred flavor profile.
Tips
Ensure chicken tenders are thoroughly patted dry to promote crispiness during frying. Avoid overcrowding the deep fryer to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent soggy coating. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for food safety. Your dipping sauce should be prepared ahead of time to complement the crispy texture immediately after frying.
Nutritions
Legendary Goldfingers from Dave & Buster's provide a protein-rich snack, with each 1 lb serving of chicken tenders delivering approximately 90 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes contribute carbohydrates for quick energy, though the deep-frying process adds a significant amount of fat, increasing calorie density. Your intake of sodium may be elevated due to seasoning and dipping sauces, so monitoring portion size is important for balanced nutrition. Pairing these tenders with a fresh vegetable side can help enhance the meal's overall nutrient profile.
Storage
Store leftover Legendary Goldfingers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy coating without sogginess. Your dipping sauce should be kept separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap cornflakes for crushed pretzels or tortilla chips to add different textures and flavors to the crispy coating. For a spicy twist, mix cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the flour instead of paprika alone. Instead of deep frying, bake the coated chicken tenders at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, turning halfway for an easier cleanup and less oil use. Consider offering dipping sauce variations by blending BBQ sauce with ranch or using a sriracha mayo for extra heat.
Allergies
Legendary Goldfingers contain common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, eggs in the coating mixture, and dairy in the milk and ranch dressing. The presence of cornflakes may also trigger allergies for those sensitive to corn or gluten if not gluten-free. If you have food allergies, carefully review all ingredients or consult with the restaurant before enjoying this snack.
Why this recipe?
The Legendary Goldfingers menu at Dave & Buster's is beloved for its crispy golden exterior and flavorful, juicy chicken, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. You'll enjoy the perfect balance of seasoning and a tender interior, making it a standout appetizer for any gathering. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to customize spices and sauces, saving money while achieving restaurant-quality taste. Your copycat version can become a crowd-pleaser, impressing friends and family with a legendary snack experience.