Introduction

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are a classic comfort food favorite that everyone loves. Golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these chicken tenders are irresistible. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip, they make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, game-day snacks, or even lunchboxes. The tenders are baked or fried to perfection, making them crispy without being greasy. The honey mustard dip adds a flavorful punch, elevating this simple dish into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, fun, and versatile. The chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making every bite satisfying. The honey mustard dip is the perfect complement—it’s sweet, tangy, and slightly zesty. It’s also a recipe that’s easy to make from scratch, yet tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Crispy & Juicy: The perfect texture combination.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or snack.
• Pairing: Works well with fries, salads, or veggies.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~450 calories per serving (approximate)
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Snack / Appetizer

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cooking spray or oil (for baking)

For the Honey Mustard Dip

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Prepare the honey mustard dip by mixing all ingredients.
3. Coat chicken tenders in flour, egg, and seasoned panko.
4. Bake chicken for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with honey mustard dip.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Honey Mustard Dip
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Prepare Chicken Tenders
   • Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
     1. Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
     2. Beaten eggs mixed with milk.
     3. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan (optional).
   • Coat each chicken tender first in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake the Tenders
   • Arrange chicken tenders on prepared baking sheet.
   • Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil.
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
5. Serve
   • Serve warm with honey mustard dip on the side.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course with fries, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
• Serve as an appetizer at parties with extra dipping sauces.
• Perfect for lunchboxes, game-day snacks, or family dinners.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra crunch, double coat the chicken in the egg and panko.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
• Can also pan-fry in oil for a traditional crispy texture.

Variations

• Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne or chili powder to flour or panko.
• Parmesan Garlic: Mix extra Parmesan and garlic powder into the panko.
• Oven-Fried: Use a mix of panko and cornflakes for extra crunch.
• Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Honey Mustard Dip: Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Three shallow bowls for dredging
• Small mixing bowl (for dip)
• Whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Q2: Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, shallow or deep fry in vegetable oil until golden brown and cooked through.

Q3: How can I make it healthier?
Bake instead of frying, use low-fat mayonnaise in the dip, or serve with roasted veggies instead of fries.

Q4: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, coat chicken and store in fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The dip can be made a day ahead.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are a crowd-pleasing classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Golden, crunchy, and flavorful, paired with a tangy-sweet dip, these chicken tenders are both comforting and versatile. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by all ages, this recipe is a must-try for family dinners, parties, or casual snacks.