Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip 🐔🍯
These crispy chicken tenders are golden, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Pair them with a homemade honey mustard dip for a delicious snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more tenderness).
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat each tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko mixture. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of breading sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with the honey mustard dip on the side.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use an air fryer.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for a spicy kick.
- The honey mustard dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these crunchy, flavorful chicken tenders with the perfect dipping sauce! 🐔✨