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.