Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce – Baked to Perfection!

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Nothing beats the irresistible crunch of crispy chicken tenders, especially when paired with a sweet and tangy honey-mustard dipping sauce. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or as a game-day snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken: These tenders are baked to crispy perfection, reducing excess oil while keeping the crunch.
  • Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: A meal the whole family will enjoy, even the pickiest eaters.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With a blend of puffed rice cereal, almonds, and spices, these tenders have a texture and taste that stand out.
  • Perfect Dipping Sauce: The honey-mustard sauce complements the tenders perfectly with its sweet, tangy, and creamy balance.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create the perfect batch of crispy chicken tenders, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts – If using whole chicken breasts, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch wide strips.
  • 1 cup low-fat buttermilk, well-shaken – Adds tenderness and moisture to the chicken, while also helping the coating stick.
  • 3 cups crisp puffed rice cereal (preferably brown rice cereal) – A lighter, crunchier alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped – Enhances texture and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika – Provides color and a mild smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic – Infuses a rich garlic flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances flavors and enhances seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle spice kick.

For the Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard – A tangy and slightly spicy mustard that forms the base.
  • 2 tablespoons honey – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – Gives the sauce a creamy, smooth consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Before coating, it’s important to marinate the chicken to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.

  1. In a medium bowl, add the chicken strips and coat them evenly with the buttermilk.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, get your coating ready:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate, ensuring even crispiness.
  3. Place the puffed rice cereal in a resealable plastic bag, remove excess air, and crush using a rolling pin or mallet until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Transfer the crushed cereal to a shallow dish and mix in the chopped almonds, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken strips:

  1. Remove the marinated chicken pieces, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off.
  2. Dredge each piece in the cereal-almond mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly.
  3. Place the coated chicken strips onto the prepared wire rack.

4. Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden and crispy.
  2. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.

5. Make the Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

  1. While the chicken is baking, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard as needed.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Remove the crispy chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve hot with the honey-mustard dipping sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Tenders

  • Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak: It enhances the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
  • Use a Wire Rack for Even Crispiness: This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures golden perfection.
  • Crush Cereal to the Right Texture: It should resemble coarse breadcrumbs rather than fine dust.
  • Customize the Seasoning: Add cayenne for spice or dried herbs for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of rice cereal?

Yes, but the puffed rice cereal provides a lighter, crispier texture. Panko breadcrumbs are the best alternative.

2. How do I store and reheat leftover chicken tenders?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for crispiness.

3. Can I air-fry these tenders instead of baking them?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What other dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Besides honey-mustard, try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free puffed rice cereal and double-check that all ingredients are gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze the coated but unbaked chicken tenders?

Yes! Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Making crispy chicken tenders with honey-mustard dipping sauce at home is easy, healthier, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of crunchy baked chicken and creamy, tangy dipping sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or an appetizer, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Try it out and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful delight!

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