Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe

Crispy bbq chicken tenders have become my ultimate comfort food obsession lately.

Juicy meat gets coated in a perfectly seasoned crunch that makes every bite irresistible.

Marinades infuse deep flavor into tender strips before they hit the hot pan.

Tangy barbecue sauce adds a smoky kick that brings serious excitement to dinner.

Home kitchens transform into gourmet spaces with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Professional chefs would definitely approve of these golden-brown delights.

A honey mustard dip completes the experience, offering cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.

Come cook with me and create something deliciously memorable tonight.

Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip You’ll Crave

• Boost Flavor Profiles: Experience a mouthwatering combination of tangy BBQ sauce and crispy chicken that transforms ordinary meal time into a delightful culinary adventure.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the honey mustard dip's sweetness or tang by adding more honey or mustard, making this recipe perfectly tailored to individual taste preferences.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills like marinating, breading, and frying chicken, which can be applied to numerous other recipes and boost kitchen confidence.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight both kids and adults with tender, crispy chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce and served with a creamy, zesty dipping sauce that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.

Ingredients to Prepare BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean cuts of chicken that provide a perfect base for crispy, flavorful coating.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and aromatic seasoning to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, rich flavor to the marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that gives the chicken tenders their signature crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor to the crispy chicken tenders.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dip.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the mustard.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps balance the flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Helps to season and enhance the dip's flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Crispy Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Bathe Chicken in Flavor Elixir

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Submerge chicken tenders in this magical mixture and let them relax in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to dance and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll each tender generously in the flour-breadcrumb blend, pressing firmly to create a perfect crispy shell.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Golden Delights

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it reaches a sizzling 350°F.

Gently slide chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches to maintain crispy perfection. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Paint with BBQ Brilliance

Once tenders are crisp and gorgeous, drizzle BBQ sauce over them.

Gently toss to create a glossy, flavor-packed coating that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Whip Up Irresistible Honey Mustard Magic

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk until smooth, adjusting sweetness and tang to your heart’s desire.

This dip will elevate your chicken tenders from delicious to absolutely mind-blowing.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Tips to Make Tender and Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat that's packed with delicious seasonings.
• Press the flour and panko mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that stays put during frying.
• Maintain oil at 350F to achieve golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning the breading or undercooking the chicken.
• Drizzle and gently toss BBQ sauce after frying to keep the crispy texture while adding a tangy, sweet flavor.
• Adjust honey and mustard ratios to create a personalized dipping sauce that perfectly complements your crispy chicken tenders.

Variations to Try Different Flavors

• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Tenders: Replace BBQ sauce with sriracha and honey for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Tenders: Substitute panko with herbed breadcrumbs, add oregano and thyme to the coating, and serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Tenders: Mix shredded coconut into the breading, coat with mild curry sauce, and pair with a cool yogurt dip.
• Ranch Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Toss crispy tenders in buffalo sauce, serve with homemade ranch dressing for a classic game day flavor combination.

Pairing Ideas to Serve With Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Sweet Southern Slaw: Creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the crispy, saucy chicken tenders with a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Light, hoppy beer cleanses the palate and matches the zesty BBQ sauce, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Match with Roasted Corn Salad: Charred corn kernels with fresh herbs provide a sweet, smoky side that echoes the BBQ chicken's flavor profile.
• Serve with Chilled White Wine Spritzer: Bright, citrusy wine spritzer offers a light, effervescent counterpoint to the heavy, crispy chicken tenders.

Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tenders individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating and restore crispiness.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy exterior returns.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of marinating chicken tenders in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and soft. The acidic nature of buttermilk breaks down proteins, resulting in a more tender texture and deeper flavor absorption.

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko creates a crispier, lighter coating because its flakes are larger and more airy. It provides a superior crunch and helps the breading stay extra crisp compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165F (74C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear when cut.

Crispy Bbq Chicken Tenders With Honey Mustard Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip deliver a mouthwatering Southern-style feast perfect for game day or casual dinners. Golden-brown chicken coated in smoky barbecue seasoning pairs beautifully with tangy honey mustard, promising delicious comfort in every crispy bite you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Mustard Dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken tenders with a zesty buttermilk marinade by combining buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Create a crispy coating by mixing all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each tender in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, adherent layer.
3. Heat vegetable oil to 350F in a large frying pan, creating a perfect frying environment. Gently lower breaded tenders into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crunchy exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F.
4. Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Generously drizzle BBQ sauce over the hot tenders, gently tossing to create an even, glossy coating that enhances flavor and texture.
5. Craft a tangy honey mustard dip by whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting sweetness and tanginess to personal preference until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Select chicken tenders with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help breading adhere better and create extra crunch.
• Use a thermometer to check internal chicken temperature for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce styles like smoky, spicy, or sweet to customize flavor profile.
• Replace all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Bake tenders on a wire rack at 425F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
• Make extra honey mustard dip and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days as a versatile condiment for other dishes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg