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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can claim the same level of universal appeal as perfectly crispy chicken tenders. These delightful bites are more than just a meal; they are a nostalgic experience, often associated with family gatherings, game days, and late-night snacks. Our Crunchy Delight Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Bliss elevate this beloved classic, marrying the tender juiciness of marinated chicken with an irresistible, crunchy coating. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile option that can be served as an appetizer, paired with sides for a hearty dinner, or enjoyed solo as a satisfying snack.

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Indulge in the crispy goodness of Crunchy Delight Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Bliss. This delightful recipe transforms classic chicken tenders into a tasty experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender marinated chicken coated in a crunchy panko breading, these tenders are simply irresistible. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip, they make a great appetizer, side dish, or snack. Discover how to elevate comfort food and impress your family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken strips, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up your breading station by placing the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly distributed. Keep both dishes within easy reach for breading.

      Bread the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken strips out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated, and shake off the excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere thoroughly to the chicken.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), which you can check using a kitchen thermometer or by dropping in a small breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.

          Fry the Chicken: Gently place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

            Prepare the Honey Mustard Dip: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated. Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.

              Serve: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter. Place the honey mustard dip in a small bowl alongside the chicken. For added flair, you can garnish the platter with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Enjoy your delightful, crunchy chicken tenders!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating) | 4 servings