Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are a family favorite that’s perfect for dinner, parties, or a snack. Juicy chicken strips are coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading and served with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Crispy: The golden breading is crunchy and delicious.
• Juicy Chicken: Tender, moist chicken inside every bite.
• Homemade Sauce: The honey mustard sauce is simple to make and so much better than store-bought.
• Versatile: Great for appetizers, main meals, or meal prep.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken breast (cut into strips)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Regular breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• Dijon mustard
• Yellow mustard
• Honey
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice

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

Directions

Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a splash of lemon juice. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

2. Set Up Breading Stations:
   • In one shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
   • In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
   • In a third bowl, combine panko and regular breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Tenders:
   • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry the chicken tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
   • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Serve:
   • Arrange chicken tenders on a platter and serve with honey mustard sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Baking Option: Bake chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for a crispier texture.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for spicy chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Sauce Variations: Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe.

2. What’s the secret to extra crispy tenders?

Using panko breadcrumbs and frying at the right temperature (350°F) ensures maximum crispiness.

3. Can I make these tenders without frying?

Yes, bake or air fry them for a healthier alternative.

4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F. Alternatively, drop a small piece of bread in the oil—it should sizzle and turn golden in about 15 seconds.

5. Can I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?

Yes, marinate the chicken in buttermilk with a little salt and pepper for 1–2 hours before breading.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

7. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before breading and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the tenders.

8. Can I use pre-made honey mustard sauce?

Yes, store-bought honey mustard works, but homemade has a fresher, richer flavor.

9. What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

10. Can I add herbs to the breading?

Absolutely! Dried parsley, thyme, or oregano add extra flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a crunchy exterior, juicy chicken, and a sweet-tangy dipping sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, these tenders are easy to make and always a hit. Try them today for a meal or snack everyone will love!

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