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Crispy chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food that brings joy to both kids and adults alike. Their crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior make them the perfect snack or meal option for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer at a party or as a weeknight dinner, homemade chicken tenders are always a hit.

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Craving a cozy fall meal? These crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard dip are the perfect comfort food for autumn evenings! Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they feature a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy chicken inside. The sweet and tangy dipping sauce elevates this easy weeknight dinner, making it a family favorite. Bring a taste of warmth to your dinner table—try these tonight and save the recipe for later!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for added depth)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, pour in the buttermilk and add a pinch of salt. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for an even richer flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up two shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even blend.

      Bread the Chicken: Once marinated, take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator. Let any excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture first, and then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a plate and set aside.

        Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to create a layer about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through. To ensure safety, use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

            Make the Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, for your desired flavor.

              Serve: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter and serve them hot with the honey mustard dip on the side. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of honey mustard dip. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color.