Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Chicken tenders paired with honey mustard are a timeless comfort food that appeals to all ages. These crispy, golden strips of chicken are easy to make, and the tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce takes them to the next level. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making perfectly crispy chicken tenders and a delectable honey mustard sauce from scratch.

Why Everyone Loves Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Chicken tenders are versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. Their crunchy coating and juicy interior make them irresistible, while honey mustard offers a balance of sweetness and tang that complements the savory chicken. This combination is not only delicious but also quick to whip up in your home kitchen.

Recipe: Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

¼ cup honey
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).
Prepare the Coating:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Transfer the fried tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

Use Buttermilk for Tenderness: Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
For Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
Bake for a Healthier Option: If you prefer baking, place breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why Make Homemade Honey Mustard?

Store-bought honey mustard is convenient, but making it at home lets you customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer it sweeter, tangier, or creamier, this simple recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial flavors.

The Perfect Pairing

Chicken tenders with honey mustard are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing them with sides like:

French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Fresh vegetable sticks with ranch dressing
A simple green salad

A Recipe to Keep Coming Back To

Chicken tenders with honey mustard is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Try this homemade version, and enjoy the joy of crispy, flavorful chicken paired with the perfect dip—comfort food at its finest!

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