Simple Homemade Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Simple Homemade Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

Get ready to crunch your way to happiness! These simple homemade crispy chicken tenders are everything—golden, juicy, and irresistibly tasty. And don’t even get me started on the honey Dijon dipping sauce! Sweet, tangy, and perfect. Let’s make your taste buds do a happy dance!

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Crispy chicken tenders, anyone? Oh, we’re about to give your dinner game a serious crunch upgrade! These Simple Homemade Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce are a match made in heaven that you didn’t know you needed. There’s something so comforting about taking a bite of that golden, crispy coating and discovering tender, juicy chicken inside. And that dipping sauce... brace yourself for a flavor burst that’s sweet, tangy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re whipping these up for game night, a family dinner, or just because you deserve to treat yourself, they’ll disappear from the plate in no time—promise!

Simple Homemade Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe

So, what sets these apart from your average chicken tenders? First off, that crispy coating is no joke. The secret lies in a combo of breadcrumbs and a dash of seasonings that create maximum crunch with minimum effort. Then, you’ve got the pièce de résistance: the honey Dijon dipping sauce. I mean, sweet honey mingles with tangy mustard—what’s not to love? It’s perfectly balanced, and the kind of sauce that makes people swipe their fingers across their plates to get every last bit. These two elements together? Absolute snacking symphony. Forget the frozen aisle—once you make these homemade beauties, you’ll never look back.

Let me give you some insider tips to perfect your chicken tender game. For that ultimate golden crust, don’t skip the breading station. A quick flour dredge, followed by an egg dip and breadcrumb coating, is the magic trio you need. Oh, and here’s a pro tip: use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness—they’re lighter and crispier than regular ones, trust me. When it comes to frying, keep your oil at the Goldilocks temperature: about 350°F. Too hot, you burn; too low, you get soggy—not cool. And if frying isn’t your thing, popping them in the oven or air fryer works wonders too. Either way, you’re gonna soar to crispy chicken glory.

Ready to dig in? These chicken tenders are so versatile, they’ll fit right into any meal plan. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option, or pile them onto a platter next to fries and veggies for the ultimate comfort food feast. Have fun with the sauce, too—feel like spicing things up? Try adding a dash of Sriracha to the honey Dijon. Hosting a party? Double the batch (trust me, you’ll need it) and watch them fly off the plate. So, tie on your apron, channel your inner chef, and get ready to crunch your way to homemade happiness. Go ahead—make tonight crispy magic!

Keywords: crispy chicken tender recipe, homemade chicken tenders with sauce, easy dinner ideas with chicken, honey Dijon dipping sauce recipe, family-friendly chicken recipes, air fryer crispy chicken tenders.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the breading station by setting up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and water, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.

  3. 3

    Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

  4. 4

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).

  5. 5

    Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

  6. 6

    Remove cooked tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  7. 7

    In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise to make the dipping sauce.

  8. 8

    Serve the chicken tenders warm with the honey dijon dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories

380 calories per serving

Protein

22g

Carbs

34g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs?

A: Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly first to enhance their texture and flavor.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Double-check all ingredient labels, including the dijon mustard, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Q: What should I do if the breading doesn’t stick to the chicken?

A: If the breading doesn’t stick well, make sure the chicken tenders are patted dry before dredging in flour. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken after coating to help them adhere better. Also, avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as the breading can come loose if the chicken pieces touch each other.

Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.

Q: Can I make the honey dijon dipping sauce in advance?

A: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Q: What are some variations or additional seasonings I can use?

A: You can experiment with different seasonings for the breadcrumbs, such as onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. For a different dipping sauce, try ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You could also toss the cooked tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy variation.

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