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Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

crispy fried chicken tenders - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy fried chicken tenders paired with a sweet and tangy homemade honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a satisfying snack or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh, skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • About 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
  • Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse chicken tenders and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk well.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  5. Remove a chicken tender from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Dip into egg wash, then back into flour mixture for a second coating. Press flour firmly.
  6. Carefully place tenders in hot oil, frying 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  7. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make honey mustard sauce. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  8. Let tenders rest a few minutes to stay crisp, then serve warm with honey mustard sauce.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Double dredging creates a thicker, crunchier crust. Drain tenders on a wire rack to keep them crispy. Keep fried tenders warm in a 200°F oven without covering to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and cornstarch with potato starch. For dairy-free, use almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk and swap mayo for avocado or cashew spread in honey mustard.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried chicken tenders, crispy chicken, honey mustard sauce, quick chicken recipe, easy fried chicken, double dredge chicken

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-fried-chicken-tenders-with-honey-mustard-easy-homemade-recipe-for-perfect-crunch/