Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Homemade Honey Mustard & Asian BBQ Sauce by Mr. Make It Happen

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Introduction to How to Make Chicken Tenders

This recipe is a game-changer if you’re craving crispy, golden fried chicken tenders with two fantastic dipping sauces. These chicken tenders are juicy on the inside with the crispiest coating on the outside, perfectly seasoned, and served with two irresistible homemade sauces: a sweet and tangy honey mustard and a savory, slightly spicy Asian BBQ sauce. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable chicken tenders from scratch!

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Homemade Honey Mustard & Asian BBQ Sauce

I know I said we were making this with less than 10 ingredients, but if you don't feel like or want to make the Seasoned Flour, Honey Mustard, or Asian BBQ Sauce, then you only need the ingredients listed under "Shopping List" plus the 3 ingredients listed above of your choice.

Let's Pack In the Flavor!

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl.

Pour the buttermilk over the chicken tenders, then add the hot sauce, a sprinkle of AP seasoning, and a pinch of chicken bouillon. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and ensure every piece is submerged in the buttermilk mixture.

Marinate the Chicken:

Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for a deeper flavor. The longer it marinates, the juicier and more flavorful the chicken will be.

How to Make Seasoned Flour in Less Than 5 Minutes

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and your choice of seasoning (AP seasoning, Lemon Bae, and chicken bouillon powder are great choices). If you’re using saffron, add it to the mix for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Tenders:

• Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough to fry the chicken properly.
  If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much of it and become greasy, and if it's too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through.
• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning! Add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to give the chicken a little extra kick.
• Double Dipping: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip your chicken tenders, meaning, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk mixture and coat it again in the seasoned flour before frying.

How to Make Asian BBQ Sauce at Home

Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
   In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sriracha, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer and Thicken:
   Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier.
3. Cool the Sauce:
   Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Dredge the Chicken:

After marinating, remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat each tender evenly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Set the coated tenders aside on a tray or plate as you prepare to fry.

Fry the Chicken Tenders

1. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep frying pan or large pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. You can tell the oil is hot enough by dropping a small speck of flour in the oil, or flicking water off your fingertips (do not splash or drop water into your oil; flick it as if you were drying your hands in the bathroom and there were no paper towels) into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, it's ready.
2. Fry the Tenders:
   Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Drain and Rest:
   Once fried, remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to crisp up even more.

How to Make Homemade Honey Mustard

1. Whisk the Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, combine the mayo, honey, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of AP seasoning. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard, depending on your preference.
2. Chill (Optional):
   For the best flavor, chill the honey mustard in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Chicken Tenders:
   Once your chicken tenders are fried and crispy, serve them hot with both the homemade honey mustard and Asian BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish (Optional):
   If you like, garnish with a little chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Final Thoughts:

These crispy fried chicken tenders are packed with flavor, and when paired with the tangy homemade honey mustard and savory-sweet Asian BBQ sauce, they’re sure to be a hit at dinner time or any gathering. The crispy coating and juicy chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy this delicious meal with your family or friends – it’s perfect for a fun, satisfying dinner!

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You Might Also Love

If you love these chicken tenders, try these crispy chicken recipes next:

• Nashville Hot Chicken — crispy, spicy tenders that are absolutely addictive.
• Korean Fried Chicken — double-fried with bold Korean glaze.
• Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sliders — sweet heat meets crispy perfection.
• Chick-fil-A Deluxe Copycat — better than the drive-through.
• 5 Chicken Breast Marinades — keep your chicken juicy and flavorful every time.

You Might Also Love

If you love these chicken tenders, try these crispy chicken recipes next:

• Nashville Hot Chicken — crispy, spicy tenders that are absolutely addictive.
• Korean Fried Chicken — double-fried with bold Korean glaze.
• Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sliders — sweet heat meets crispy perfection.
• Chick-fil-A Deluxe Copycat — better than the drive-through.
• 5 Chicken Breast Marinades — keep your chicken juicy and flavorful every time.