Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are a timeless comfort-food favorite that never goes out of style. Juicy strips of chicken are coated in a perfectly seasoned, golden-crisp crust and fried (or baked) until irresistibly crunchy. What truly elevates this dish is the homemade honey mustard sauce—a sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp dip that pairs beautifully with the savory crunch of the chicken.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, kids’ lunches, or game-day snacks. It’s simple, satisfying, and far better than takeout, giving you restaurant-style chicken tenders right at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers everything you want in comfort food: crispiness, juiciness, and bold flavor. The chicken stays tender inside, the coating is perfectly crunchy, and the honey mustard sauce is customizable to your taste—sweet, tangy, or a little spicy. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Extra-crispy coating with juicy chicken inside
• Sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for meals, snacks, or parties
• Better and fresher than fast food

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time (optional): 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 430–480 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken Tenders

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Mustard Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk.
2. Prepare seasoned coating.
3. Bread chicken tenders.
4. Fry until golden and crispy.
5. Mix honey mustard sauce.
6. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
2. Prepare Coating:
   In a shallow bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
4. Heat Oil:
   Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 175–180°C (350°F).
5. Fry Chicken Tenders:
   Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
6. Drain:
   Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce:
   Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tang as desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with honey mustard sauce on the side
• Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad
• Use tenders in wraps or sandwiches
• Add lemon wedges or fresh herbs for garnish

Recipe Tips

• Marinating ensures juicy chicken.
• Use panko for extra crunch.
• Keep oil temperature steady for even frying.
• Do not overcrowd the pan.

Variations

Baked Chicken Tenders

Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Add chili powder or hot sauce to the buttermilk.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Herb-Crusted Tenders

Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the coating.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Refrigerate cooked tenders for 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked or uncooked breaded tenders for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Thermometer (optional)

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, party snack, or casual gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With its golden crunch and irresistible dipping sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.