Copycat Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Flavorful Perfection at Home!

Craving those irresistibly delicious honey mustard chicken tenders from your favorite restaurant? Now you can recreate that same amazing flavor and crispy texture right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients to deliver a restaurant-quality dish that your whole family will love. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace the joy of homemade goodness.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Perfectly Crispy:** The key to these tenders is a double dredge in a flavorful breading mixture, resulting in an incredibly satisfying crunch with every bite.
* **Tangy and Sweet Honey Mustard:** The homemade honey mustard sauce is the star of the show, balancing the sweetness of honey with the zesty tang of mustard for a truly addictive flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Even beginner cooks can achieve excellent results.
* **Versatile:** Serve these tenders as a main course, appetizer, or even as a topping for salads or wraps. The possibilities are endless!
* **Kid-Friendly:** These honey mustard chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with kids. They’ll love the crispy texture and delicious flavor.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Making these at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout, making it a great option for a delicious and affordable meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken:

* **Chicken Tenderloins:** 1.5-2 pounds, trimmed of any excess fat. Chicken breasts can be used, but they need to be cut into tenderloin-sized strips.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 cup. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a better coating. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
* **Hot Sauce:** 1-2 teaspoons (optional, for a little kick). Adjust to your preference or omit entirely.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon

### For the Breading:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups
* **Cornstarch:** 1/2 cup. Cornstarch helps to create a lighter and crispier breading.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, adds a subtle herbal note)
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, adds a subtle herbal note)
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat)

### For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise.
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup. Adds sweetness and a characteristic honey flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon mustard provides a tangy and complex flavor.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a classic mustard flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)
* **Black Pepper:** 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Shallow Bowls or Dishes:** For the buttermilk mixture and the breading mixture.
* **Large Plate or Baking Sheet:** To place the breaded chicken tenders.
* **Large Skillet or Deep Fryer:** For frying the chicken tenders.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken tenders.
* **Wire Rack:** To drain the chicken tenders after frying.
* **Whisk:** For making the honey mustard sauce.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the honey mustard sauce.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Trim the Chicken:** Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Trim off any excess fat or tendons.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

### Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme (if using), dried oregano (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

### Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. **First Dredge:** Remove a chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Place the chicken tenderloin in the breading mixture and coat it thoroughly on all sides. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
2. **Second Dredge:** Return the coated chicken tenderloin to the buttermilk mixture and dip it again. Then, place it back in the breading mixture and coat it again, ensuring it is completely covered in breading. This double dredge is what creates the extra crispy texture.
3. **Repeat:** Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken tenderloins. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a large plate or baking sheet in a single layer.

### Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet or deep fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
3. **Cook Until Golden Brown and Cooked Through:** Fry the chicken tenders for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
4. **Drain on a Wire Rack:** Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the oil with tongs and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat the frying process with the remaining breaded chicken tenders.

### Step 5: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. **Adjust to Taste:** Taste the honey mustard sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more honey for sweetness, more Dijon mustard for tang, or more lemon juice for brightness.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the crispy honey mustard chicken tenders immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. **Dip and Enjoy:** Serve the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the sauce over the chicken tenders before serving.

## Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Fry the chicken tenders in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
* **Use a Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
* **Adjust the Honey Mustard Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more honey for sweetness, more Dijon mustard for tang, or more lemon juice for brightness.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Fresh oil will result in better-tasting chicken tenders. Avoid using oil that has been used multiple times.
* **Keep Warm in the Oven:** If you are making a large batch of chicken tenders, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve.
* **Make Ahead:** You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving.
* **For a Healthier Option:** You can bake the breaded chicken tenders instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway through baking.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:** Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk marinade and/or the honey mustard sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Mustard Chicken Strips:** Use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins and cut them into strips.
* **Gluten-Free Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the breading.
* **Vegan Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:** Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and lemon juice. Use vegan mayonnaise for the honey mustard sauce.
* **Different Mustards:** Experiment with different types of mustard in the honey mustard sauce, such as stone-ground mustard or spicy brown mustard.
* **Add Herbs to the Breading:** Add other herbs to the breading, such as rosemary, sage, or parsley.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Substitute some of the flour with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

These honey mustard chicken tenders are delicious served with a variety of sides, including:

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing!
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier and flavorful alternative.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and cheesy side.
* **Salad:** A lighter and healthier option.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** A creamy and comforting side.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summery and delicious side.
* **Vegetable Sticks:** Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for a healthy and refreshing snack.

These tenders also make great additions to:

* **Salads:** Top a bed of greens with the crispy tenders for a flavorful and protein-packed salad.
* **Wraps:** Wrap the tenders with lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
* **Sandwiches:** Place the tenders on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard sauce for a delicious sandwich.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without sides or dipping sauce. Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Air Fryer:** Reheat the chicken tenders in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** While not recommended for retaining crispiness, you can microwave the chicken tenders for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The texture will be softer.

## Conclusion

This copycat honey mustard chicken tender recipe is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to satisfy your cravings. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality chicken tenders in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to be amazed by the crispy, flavorful perfection of these homemade honey mustard chicken tenders! Enjoy!