Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
These crispy chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food—golden, crunchy, and juicy on the inside. The combination of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan creates an extra crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with the smooth, sweet, and tangy honey mustard dip. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner, appetizer, or party.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions
Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels. Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Make the Honey Mustard Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise (if using), and lemon juice (if using) until the mixture is smooth. Taste the dip and adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference.
Serve
Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter and serve them warm with the honey mustard dip on the side.
Notes
For an extra kick, you can adjust the seasoning in the breading by adding more smoked paprika or experimenting with cayenne pepper. The honey mustard dip can be customized to your taste as well, by adding more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tanginess. If you prefer a creamier dip, the mayonnaise adds a nice smoothness, but it’s optional. Serve with a side of fries, vegetables, or a light salad to round out the meal.