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Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe Easy Homemade with Honey Mustard Sauce

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Golden, crispy chicken tenders paired with a tangy-sweet homemade honey mustard sauce. This easy recipe uses a double coating technique for a crunchy crust and juicy interior, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 cups (200 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
  • ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise (light or vegan mayo optional)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken tenders in 1 cup buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the breading station: mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in one shallow dish; place seasoned flour in another shallow dish.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in flour, then dip briefly back into buttermilk, and coat thoroughly with the panko mixture. Pat breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to about ½ inch deep over medium-high heat until 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Adjust heat as needed.
  6. Drain cooked tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let rest for a couple of minutes.
  7. Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth to make the honey mustard sauce.
  8. Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy tenders. Rest tenders on a wire rack after frying to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free versions. For vegan sauce, use maple syrup and vegan mayo. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, honey mustard sauce, homemade chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-honey-mustard-sauce/