Golden, crispy, and irresistibly delicious, these chicken tenders are a family favorite! Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, they’re paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip that takes the flavor to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Crunch: Panko bread crumbs ensure a crispy, golden coating.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Homemade Comfort: Enjoy a healthier and tastier alternative to fast-food tenders.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, panko bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dredge the strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dip
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Serve
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter and serve warm with the honey mustard dip on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for spicy chicken tenders.
- Baked Option: Bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative.
- Air Fryer: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Different Dips: Pair with barbecue sauce, ranch, or sweet chili sauce for variety.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What oil is best for frying chicken tenders?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying.
Can I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Marinate in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt for at least 30 minutes before coating.
How can I ensure the coating sticks well?
Pat the chicken strips dry before dipping in the egg and coating. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken.
Can I make the honey mustard dip ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dip up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
Can I use pre-breaded chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but homemade breading adds a fresher, crunchier texture.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Substitute with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C), or the juices should run clear.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip is a classic dish loved by all ages. Perfectly crunchy and flavorful, these tenders paired with the tangy-sweet dip make for an irresistible meal or snack. Try them today and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken tenders from the comfort of your home!
Print
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, panko bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dredge the strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the chicken strips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dip
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Serve
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter and serve warm with the honey mustard dip on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Frying, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg