These chicken tenders are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Paired with a creamy, tangy honey mustard dip, they’re perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or a fun snack.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to submerge the tenders halfway)
For the Creamy Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, about 1-inch thick.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Prepare the Panko: In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken:
- First, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken strip thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling it to about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the breading into it. If it sizzles immediately and floats, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain: Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Creamy Honey Mustard Dip:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, yellow mustard, and garlic powder.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Serving:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with the creamy honey mustard dip on the side.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy chicken, double dip the chicken in the egg and panko.
- You can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a spicy dip, add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard.
- Other dipping sauce options include BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce.
- For a gluten free option, substitute the flour and panko with gluten free alternatives.