Sometimes, a simple meal is all you need, and breaded chicken tenders are always a good choice. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and fun to eat. The buttermilk gives them a nice flavor, and the easy honey mustard sauce ties everything together. It’s a meal that’s quick to make, tasty, and loved by everyone at the table.
Why this recipe works
- Flavorful coating: A mix of breadcrumbs and flour gives the tenders a crunchy texture while keeping the outside golden and crisp with every bite.
- Juicy chicken: The buttermilk marinade helps the chicken stay tender and moist even after frying, making it flavorful through every piece.
- Simple steps: With easy marinating, coating, and frying, this recipe is beginner-friendly but turns out just as good as takeout.
- Balanced flavor: The garlic and seasonings blend perfectly, giving the chicken just the right touch of savory goodness kids and adults enjoy.
- Homemade sauce: The honey mustard adds a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the crunchy tenders, making every bite more enjoyable.
Serving suggestions
You can serve up these homemade chicken tenders in various ways.
- Classic meal: Serve with fries and a side of dipping sauce for a simple dinner that feels like a fun treat at home.
- Family plate: Pair with mashed potatoes and corn for a cozy meal that’s comforting, filling, and easy to put together.
- Lighter option: Add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables on the side to make the meal balanced and colorful.
- Party snack: Cut the tenders into smaller pieces and serve with dipping sauces for a quick finger food everyone will love.
- Lunchbox idea: Pack them with fruit, crackers, and honey mustard for an easy lunch that’s both satisfying and mess-free.
Breaded chicken tenders recipe
Crispy breaded chicken tenders that are easy to make and great for quick meals. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a simple family dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (sliced into strips)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- oil (for deep frying)
Honey Mustard Sauce-
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- To make the honey mustard sauce- in a bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Store covered in the refrigerator until needed.
- In a large bowl (or resealable plastic bag) add the chicken strips. In a small bowl combine egg, buttermilk, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture over the chicken strips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- In a large plastic bag mix together flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and baking powder. Drain the chicken of the buttermilk mixture and discard the buttermilk mixture. Place chicken in the bag with breadcrumbs, seal and shake tossing to coat.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees. Deep fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and the juices run clear (the internal temperature of the chicken needs to have reached 165
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Sodium: 810.6 mg
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36.2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60.2 mg