Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Discover the joy of making Crunchy Chicken Tender Delight – a delightful recipe that elevates classic chicken tenders with a perfectly seasoned breading and a sweet honey mustard dip. This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Learn how to select the best ingredients, marinate for maximum flavor, and achieve that satisfying crunch. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow guide for crispy, juicy chicken tenders everyone will crave.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for 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

Marinate the Chicken Tenders:

- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Breading Station:

- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.

Bread the Chicken:

- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, and then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat the chicken well in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

Fry the Chicken Tenders:

- In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Honey Mustard Dip:

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

Serve:

- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter and serve alongside the honey mustard dip. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

---

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | 4 servings