Crunchy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

There’s something universally appealing about crispy chicken tenders. They’re perfect for a family dinner, game day snacks, or even a casual gathering with friends. In this recipe, we combine the crunchy goodness of chicken tenders with a zesty spicy honey mustard dipping sauce that will elevate your taste experience to new heights.

Ingredients

For the Crunchy Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

For the Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Set Up Your Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in one; beat the eggs in the second; and pour the panko breadcrumbs into the third.

2. Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken strip and coat it first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.

4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Drain and Rest: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs provide a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you can’t find panko, consider making your own by toasting day-old bread and pulsing it in a food processor.
• Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crunchy chicken tenders with the spicy honey mustard dipping sauce, and pair them with crispy fries or a fresh green salad. For a family-style feast, arrange the tenders on a platter with the dipping sauce in the center, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your breadcrumb mix for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Flavor Infusions: Consider marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk with spices for a few hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness.

Additional Resources

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out The Kitchn’s chicken recipes or learn about different cooking techniques with Serious Eats.

With this crunchy chicken tenders recipe and spicy honey mustard dipping sauce, you’re set for a delightful culinary adventure. Share your creations, and don’t forget to experiment in your kitchen! Happy cooking!