Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the crispy, juicy goodness of chicken tenders with the tangy sweetness of honey mustard dipping sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The crispy golden coating on the chicken tenders pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy honey mustard sauce, making each bite irresistible.

This recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers big flavor in every bite. You can make the tenders from scratch or take shortcuts with store-bought breading—either way, the honey mustard sauce brings everything together. This guide will walk you through the steps to make the perfect chicken tenders with honey mustard, give you tips for success, and offer variations to customize the recipe to your liking.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

• Crispy and Juicy: The chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering the perfect texture contrast that makes each bite satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients: This dish uses basic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. You can have hot, crispy chicken tenders on the table in less than 30 minutes.
• Customizable: The honey mustard sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Want it sweeter or tangier? Simply adjust the amount of honey or mustard. You can also experiment with different seasonings for the chicken tenders.
• Family-Friendly: Chicken tenders are a classic favorite for kids and adults alike, and the honey mustard sauce is a universally loved dip. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (about 450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by prepping your chicken tenders. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You can also use pre-packaged chicken tenders, which are already cut into the desired shape.

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will be the seasoned flour for dredging the chicken tenders.

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. This egg mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, they’ll provide a crunchier, lighter coating that holds up well during frying.

2. Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping the tender into the egg mixture, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this process with all of the chicken tenders.

At this point, your chicken tenders should have a light but well-coated exterior. The coating will help the chicken stay juicy inside while becoming crispy and golden on the outside when fried.

3. Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the chicken tenders are submerged. If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken tenders in the skillet. Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you don’t have one, just make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside.

Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep the tenders crispy.

4. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken is frying, it’s time to prepare the honey mustard dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey; if you want more tang, add a bit more mustard.

You can also experiment with different types of mustard—yellow mustard will give the sauce a milder flavor, while spicy brown mustard will add a bit of heat.

5. Serve the Chicken Tenders

Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden, arrange them on a serving platter. Serve them alongside the honey mustard sauce for dipping. You can also drizzle a bit of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken if you prefer. Pair the chicken tenders with your favorite side dishes, such as fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the best texture, use panko breadcrumbs, which are light and airy and fry up to be extra crispy. Regular breadcrumbs will work too, but they won’t provide the same level of crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re frying in batches, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the tenders in batches to ensure they stay crispy.
• Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Let the Oil Heat Up: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken tenders. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into the skillet; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you need to cook in batches, keep the cooked chicken tenders warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you finish frying the rest. This will prevent them from cooling down too much.

Variations of Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce for an extra kick. The heat from the hot sauce complements the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard.
• BBQ Chicken Tenders: Swap out the honey mustard sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy variation. You can also toss the chicken tenders in the BBQ sauce after frying for a more flavorful coating.
• Herb-Coated Chicken Tenders: Add dried herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil, to the flour mixture to infuse the chicken tenders with more flavor. This works especially well if you’re serving the tenders with a simple green salad or Mediterranean-style sides.
• Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard: For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. For a crispy baked version, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
• Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders: For a tropical twist, coat the chicken tenders in a mixture of breadcrumbs and shredded coconut before frying. This adds a slightly sweet and crunchy texture that pairs well with honey mustard.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can use the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy.

If you have leftover honey mustard sauce, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it as a dip for other snacks or as a topping for sandwiches or salads.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy, salty fries pair perfectly with the crispy chicken tenders and the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm, crispy chicken tenders.
• Green Salad: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken and honey mustard, offering a refreshing side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or broccoli make a great side dish for chicken tenders, adding healthy, flavorful vegetables to the meal.
• Mac and Cheese: For a hearty, comforting pairing, serve the chicken tenders with creamy mac and cheese. The richness of the cheese complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

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Conclusion

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that satisfies both kids and adults. The crispy tenders paired with the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce make for an irresistible combination that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re frying or baking, this recipe is customizable and adaptable to suit your taste. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in no time.