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- 1 pound of chicken tenders - 1 cup of buttermilk - 1 teaspoon of paprika - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder - ½ teaspoon of salt - ½ teaspoon of black pepper - ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - 1 cup of all-purpose flour - 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs - Oil for frying

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Unlock the secret to a delightful family meal with Crunchy Cluckers with Sweet Zing! This easy recipe features golden-brown chicken tenders paired with a delicious honey mustard dip, creating a perfect blend of crunchiness and sweetness that everyone will adore. Whether it's a casual get-together or a special celebration, these tasty bites are sure to impress. Try this simple yet satisfying dish that promises to be a hit at your table!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)

Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.

      - Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are completely submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

        Prepare the Dredging Stations:

          - Set up two shallow dishes for breading. In the first dish, pour in the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

            Coat the Chicken:

              - Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Allow excess marinade to drip off.

                - First, dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any extra flour. Then, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk, followed by a thorough coating in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

                  Heat the Oil:

                    - In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough oil to create a ½ inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high until it shimmers. To check for readiness, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface.

                      Fry the Chicken Tenders:

                        - Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil, making sure to leave space between them to avoid overcrowding. If necessary, fry in batches.

                          - Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the tenders are an enticing golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

                            Drain Excess Oil:

                              - Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

                                Make the Honey Mustard Dip:

                                  - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dip is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

                                    Serve:

                                      - Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve warm alongside the homemade honey mustard dip, inviting everyone to enjoy this crunchy and delicious treat!

                                        Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                                          - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, garnish the platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and consider serving the honey mustard dip in a cute ramekin at the center.