Introduction
Crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard dip are the perfect comfort food, combining crunchy, golden-brown chicken with a tangy, sweet dip that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner, preparing them for a game day snack, or looking to impress your guests at a party, these crispy tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. The crunchiness of the chicken, paired with the smooth and flavorful honey mustard sauce, offers a delightful contrast in both texture and taste. This blog will walk you through the steps to make this dish from scratch, providing you with tips, tricks, and serving suggestions along the way. Plus, we’ll dive into how to store leftovers, common mistakes to avoid, and how to customize the recipe to your liking.
What You’ll Need
To make crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard dip, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Breasts: About 2 large breasts, cut into strips (you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite)
- Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour for coating the chicken
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten, to help the breading adhere
- Bread Crumbs: 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs for the crispy coating
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated parmesan, for added flavor and crispiness
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for a rich, savory taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, adding a slight smokiness and color to the breading
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken
- Olive Oil: For frying the tenders (or you can bake them if you prefer a healthier option)
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- Honey: 3 tablespoons of pure honey, for sweetness
- Mustard: 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for that tangy flavor
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon of mayo for creaminess
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon for a little acidity to balance out the flavors
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning
With these ingredients, you’re all set to make crispy chicken tenders that are sure to delight!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into strips of uniform size, ensuring they cook evenly. Season the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavor.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs until smooth in another. Combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well. Repeat for each chicken strip.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken Tenders
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small breadcrumb—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You can also bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Making the Honey Mustard Dip
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey mustard dip by simply mixing all the dip ingredients in a small bowl: honey, mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Serving
Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with the homemade honey mustard dip on the side.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
These crispy chicken tenders are perfect when served with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or paired with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Storage Tips:
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy again. While the honey mustard dip can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, it’s best served fresh.
Mistakes to Avoid
Making crispy chicken tenders can be tricky, but by following a few key steps, you can avoid common mistakes that often lead to disappointing results:
- Not Properly Coating the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully coated in each step of the breading process—flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. If one layer is skipped, the breading might not adhere properly, leaving you with soggy tenders.
- Crowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying. If you add too many chicken strips at once, the oil temperature will drop, and the tenders may not cook evenly or achieve the desired crispiness. Fry in batches for the best results.
- Overcooking or Undercooking the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken tenders for the right amount of time. Overcooking can make them dry, while undercooking could result in raw centers. A thermometer can help ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips and Tricks
- Double-Coat the Chicken: For extra crunch, dip the chicken tenders in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs a second time before frying. This creates a thicker, crispier coating.
- Use Buttermilk: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before breading. This will make the chicken tenders extra juicy and tender inside while maintaining their crispiness outside.
- Add Some Heat: If you prefer a spicier dip, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce for an extra kick.
Suggestions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add different herbs and spices to the breading mixture to change the flavor profile. For example, try adding dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a tangy ranch dip, a zesty buffalo sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be just as crispy but with less oil.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge before frying. Just coat them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. The honey mustard dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
Crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard dip are the ultimate comfort food, combining a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior, paired perfectly with a tangy and sweet dip. Whether you’re serving them for a casual meal or as an appetizer for a party, these tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of tips and tricks to ensure success, you’ll be able to recreate this delicious dish at home every time. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some crispy, golden perfection with a side of homemade honey mustard dip!