Crispy, golden chicken tenders paired with a rich, tangy honey mustard sauce are the perfect combination of savory and sweet. These homemade tenders are lightly seasoned, breaded, and baked or fried to perfection. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or a snack, these tenders are sure to become a go-to favorite!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 3-4 tenders
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 450g (1 lb) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 240g (2 cups) panko breadcrumbs
- 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 60ml (¼ cup) honey
- 60ml (¼ cup) Dijon mustard
- 60ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Detailed Method of Preparation:
Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Bread the Chicken Tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set the breaded tenders aside on a plate.
Cook the Chicken Tenders:
Frying Method:
- Heat about 1 cm (½ inch) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot (around 175°C / 350°F), fry the chicken tenders in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Baking Method:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders on the sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- While the tenders are cooking, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside for serving.
Serve the Tenders:
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with a generous side of the honey mustard sauce for dipping. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Double bread for extra crunch: If you want extra crispy tenders, repeat the egg wash and panko coating for a thicker crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These create a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs, giving the tenders a better texture.
- Monitor oil temperature: If frying, keep the oil at 175°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking and prevent the tenders from absorbing too much oil.
- Bake for a healthier option: Baking with a light spray of oil still gives you a crispy result without the need for deep frying.
- Add spices to the flour: Feel free to add cayenne or chili powder for a bit of heat in your tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, simply cut the chicken breasts into strips that are about 1 inch wide to mimic chicken tenders.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of these tenders.
- What can I serve with chicken tenders? Classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or even mac and cheese pair wonderfully with chicken tenders.
- Can I make these tenders ahead of time? Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking. For cooked leftovers, reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Can I use other sauces besides honey mustard? Definitely! Ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or ketchup are all great dipping options.
These crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce are everything you want in a comfort meal: crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. Whether you're making them for a family dinner, party snack, or a fun meal for kids, these tenders are guaranteed to please everyone at the table!