Ah, crispy baked chicken tenders with honey dip! This delightful dish is one of my absolute favorites, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night, and after a long week, I want something that’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Enter these tenders! They’re golden, crunchy, and downright irresistible.
I have fond memories of making these with my family during our weekend movie nights. We would cozy up on the couch with a big plate of tenders and a selection of dipping sauces. The sweet and tangy honey dip became a family favorite, completely transforming the meal. Trust me; once you give these crispy chicken tenders a try, you’ll find yourself having movie nights just to enjoy them again!
What’s in Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Dip?
Chicken Breast Tenders: The star of the show! I like to use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts cut into tenders for the juiciest results.
Buttermilk: This is the secret ingredient that makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute with regular milk and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
All-Purpose Flour: It helps create a nice initial coating for the chicken, keeping it moist inside and crispy outside after baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add that crunchy texture we all love. Panko is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which is why I always opt for it in this recipe.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices elevate the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. You can even add some cayenne pepper if you like a little kick!
Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps achieve that golden brown color while keeping things healthier by reducing the amount of oil used.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this gives your tenders a fresh touch and a pop of color on your plate.
For the Honey Dip:
Mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base for our dip. I always go for a good-quality mayo like Hellmann’s or Duke’s.
Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the mayo and Dijon mustard.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the dip a bit of zing – not too overpowering, but just enough to keep you coming back for more!
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity lifts the flavors and brightens the dip wonderfully.
Is Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Dip Good for You?
Let’s chat about how healthy this dish is! I mean, it’s chicken, so that’s a great start!
Chicken Breast Tenders: They’re lean and packed with protein, making them a perfect choice for a health-conscious meal.
Buttermilk: Provides some calcium and beneficial probiotics (if you use cultured buttermilk).
The honey dip does add calories due to the mayo and honey, but hey, everything in moderation, right? If you’re looking to cut back, consider using low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for the dip. Overall, this recipe strikes a nice balance between satisfying your cravings and maintaining a relatively healthy meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Honey Dip:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe will serve about 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and locks in moisture.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a tasty coating for the chicken.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl, ready for the crispy outer layer!
5. Shake off excess buttermilk from the chicken and dredge each tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated before dipping it into the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help it adhere.
6. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with cooking spray or olive oil. This is key for that golden brown crunch!
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the honey dip by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
9. Once cooked, let the chicken tenders cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing them with fabulous chopped parsley.
10. Serve warm with the honey dip on the side and enjoy that wonderful crunch!
The Perfect Pairing: Tips and Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s spice things up! Here are some of my favorite variations and serving suggestions:
– **Try different dips:** If honey isn’t your thing, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can spice things up!
– **Add heat:** If you’re a fan of heat, toss in some cayenne pepper into your flour mix for that kick.
– **Experiment with coatings:** Switch out the panko for crushed cornflakes for an even crunchier texture.
– **Make it a meal:** Pair these tenders with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies to make it a balanced meal.
I hope you’re as excited to make these crispy baked chicken tenders as I am! There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. So go ahead, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy every crispy bite with that fabulous honey dip! Share your experience; I’d love to know how it went!
