Go Back
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of homemade chicken tenders. Their crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults alike. These Crunchy Golden Chicken Tenders are not only a delight to the taste buds but also a versatile dish that can elevate any family dinner or gathering. The addition of a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip takes this dish to the next level, creating a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family at the dinner table. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to create these irresistible chicken tenders, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Discover the joy of making homemade Crunchy Golden Chicken Tenders paired with a delightful Sweet Honey Mustard Dip. This recipe brings comfort food to life, offering a crispy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these tenders are versatile and easy to customize. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a mouthwatering dip that complements each bite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal that brings everyone together.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup honey

¼ cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

--

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In two shallow bowls, place the flour in one and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne pepper in another. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let the excess marinade drip off.

      Coat the Chicken: First, dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip them back into the buttermilk before rolling them in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles immediately, it’s hot enough.

          Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully add the chicken strips 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 tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

            Make the Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness and tanginess as desired.

              Serve: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with the honey mustard dip on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

                ---

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