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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of crispy golden chicken tenders. Perfectly seasoned, tender on the inside, and enveloped in a crunchy coating, chicken tenders are a perennial favorite among both children and adults alike. Whether enjoyed as a simple weeknight dinner, a party snack, or a game-day treat, these delightful morsels never fail to satisfy. Paired with a sweet honey mustard dip that balances tanginess and richness, it’s no wonder that this dish has earned its place as a beloved staple in households around the world.

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade crispy golden chicken tenders paired with a sweet honey mustard dip! These tender, perfectly seasoned strips are enveloped in a crunchy panko coating, making them a favorite for any occasion, from family dinners to game nights. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can customize the flavor to suit your taste. Enjoy the ideal blend of crispy and juicy with every bite for a truly satisfying dish everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, add the chicken strips and pour in the buttermilk. Ensure all strips are submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This soaking process tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up two shallow dishes for breading. In one, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well. In the second dish, arrange the panko breadcrumbs, ready for the final coating.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the strip in the seasoned flour, making sure it is fully coated. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk briefly before placing it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure an even and generous coating of breadcrumbs on each strip.

        Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the skillet by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (180°C). Carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown and develop a crispy texture. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tenders onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

          Prepare Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. To adjust the dip's sweetness or tanginess, modify the amounts of honey or mustard to suit your preference.

            Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve while hot alongside the homemade honey mustard dip for a delicious and satisfying meal.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish the platter with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve with a small bowl of the honey mustard dip in the center for an inviting presentation.