Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are the ultimate homemade comfort food. They feature a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust with juicy, tender chicken inside. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip, these tenders are perfect for a family dinner, game day snack, or kid-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and crunchy – A perfectly golden crust with a satisfying crunch.
• Juicy and tender – The chicken stays moist and flavorful.
• Easy to make – Simple steps with common ingredients.
• Better than fast food – Fresh, homemade, and free from preservatives.
• Perfect for dipping – Pairs well with honey mustard or other favorite sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken breast (cut into strips)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Slice the chicken breasts into even strips.
   • In a bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
   • In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
2. Bread the Chicken
   • Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture.
   • Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
   • Coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly for even adherence.
3. Fry the Chicken
   • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Mustard Dip
   • In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
   • Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   • Serve chicken tenders warm with honey mustard dip on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air-Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Parmesan Coating: Mix grated Parmesan into the panko for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken tenders for up to 3 months; cook directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

How do I make these extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and double-dip in the egg and flour mixture.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes, but Dijon adds a deeper, tangier flavor.

Is buttermilk necessary?

It helps tenderize the chicken, but you can substitute with regular milk and a splash of vinegar.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let them rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Try adding smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, you can freeze pre-breaded tenders and cook them as needed.

What other dips pair well with these tenders?

Ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli are all great options.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are an easy and delicious meal the whole family will love. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they deliver crunch, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try for your next meal or gathering!

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: FryinFrying
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

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Description

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Mustard Dip:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp paprika

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
• Mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in flour mixture.
• Heat oil in a deep pan and fry tenders until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side).
• Mix all dip ingredients in a bowl. Serve with chicken tenders.

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mix until dough forms.
• Roll out and press into tart molds. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
• Pipe cream into cooled tart shells.
• Top with raspberries, pistachios, and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Serve chilled.

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Notes

• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier option.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.