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Crispy chicken tenders have long been a favorite among both children and adults alike. Their golden-brown exterior and juicy interior make them the perfect comfort food, whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at a gathering. The appeal of these tender morsels lies not only in their satisfying crunch but also in their versatility; they can be enjoyed in various ways, from dipping and dunking to being nestled inside a sandwich. When it comes to flavor, homemade chicken tenders reign supreme, ensuring you get the best of both worlds—rich taste and health-conscious ingredients.

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these crispy chicken tenders paired with a homemade honey mustard dip. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these golden-brown tenders are tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Learn how to make them from fresh, lean chicken breasts and season them just right. Discover tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, along with sides and serving ideas to impress at any gathering!
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Ingredients
  

_For the Chicken Tenders:_

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

_For the Honey Mustard Dip:_

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

      - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

        - Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.

          Coat the Chicken:

            - Take each chicken strip and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.

              - Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

                - Finally, coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Repeat with all chicken strips.

                  Heat the Oil:

                    - In a large frying pan or skillet, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom (approximately ½ inch deep) and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.

                      Fry the Chicken:

                        - Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

                          - Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

                            Make the Honey Mustard Dip:

                              - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

                                Serve:

                                  - Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard dip on the side. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful treat!

                                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings