Introduction
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Superbowl Party Food Ideas lineup! These golden, crunchy tenders paired with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce create an irresistible combination that will have your guests reaching for seconds before the first touchdown. Perfect for game day gatherings, these homemade chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality flavor without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Football Party Foods extravaganza or just need something delicious to munch on during the big game, these chicken tenders strike the perfect balance between impressive and easy-to-make.
Nutritional Benefits
These homemade chicken tenders offer a healthier alternative to their fast-food counterparts while still delivering that satisfying crunch and flavor everyone craves.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving – 3 tenders) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 560mg |
Chicken tenders are an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles. By baking instead of deep-frying, you significantly reduce the fat content while maintaining that satisfying crunch. The honey in the dipping sauce provides natural sweetness with antibacterial properties, while mustard offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs chicken tenderloins | Main protein | Chicken breast sliced into strips, turkey tenderloins |
| 2 cups buttermilk | Tenderizes the chicken | Plain yogurt, milk with 1 Tbsp lemon juice |
| 2 cups panko breadcrumbs | Provides crispy coating | Regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Creates base coating | Gluten-free flour blend, almond flour |
| 2 eggs | Binding agent | 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, flax eggs |
| 1 tsp paprika | Adds flavor and color | Smoked paprika, chili powder |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Adds flavor | Onion powder, 2 cloves minced fresh garlic |
| 1 tsp Italian seasoning | Adds herb flavor | Mix of dried oregano and basil, herbes de Provence |
| Salt and pepper | Seasoning | Seasoned salt, garlic salt |
| Cooking spray | Helps achieve crispiness | Olive oil in a spray bottle, melted butter |
| For honey mustard sauce: | ||
| 1/2 cup honey | Provides sweetness | Maple syrup, agave nectar |
| 1/4 cup Dijon mustard | Adds tanginess | Stone ground mustard, yellow mustard |
| 2 Tbsp mayonnaise | Creates creaminess | Greek yogurt, sour cream |
| 1 Tbsp lemon juice | Adds acidity | Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
– Three shallow dishes (for dredging)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Tongs
– Wire cooling rack
– Small bowl for honey mustard sauce
– Whisk
– Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray.
3. Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, combine flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika. In the second, whisk together eggs with 1 Tbsp water. In the third, mix panko breadcrumbs, remaining paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
4. Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard will be the highlight of your Superbowl Party Food Ideas spread, so ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crunch.
5. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the breaded tenders on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7. Prepare the honey mustard sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
8. Serve: Allow the chicken tenders to cool for 5 minutes before serving alongside the honey mustard dipping sauce. These Football Party Foods are best enjoyed while still warm and crispy!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– For extra crispiness: Double-dip your chicken by repeating the egg and panko steps for an extra-thick crunchy coating.
– Avoiding soggy tenders: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before marinating, and shake off excess buttermilk before dredging.
– Even cooking: Cut any larger tenderloins in half lengthwise to ensure all pieces cook evenly.
– Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
– Sauce consistency issues: If your honey mustard sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached. If too thin, add more mayo.
– Make ahead tip: The honey mustard sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigeration: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it will make them soggy.
– Make-ahead option: Bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead, place on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
– Sauce storage: The honey mustard sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard have earned their spot in the Superbowl Party Food Ideas hall of fame! With their perfect balance of juicy chicken and crunchy coating, they’re guaranteed to disappear faster than a quarterback sneak. The homemade honey mustard sauce adds that special touch that elevates these tenders from everyday fare to game day superstar. Whether you’re hosting the ultimate football viewing party or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken tenders deliver championship-worthy flavor without requiring professional culinary skills. Make a double batch because trust me – they’ll be the MVP of your food spread!
FAQ
Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
How can I make these in an air fryer?
Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch strips and follow the same recipe. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the buttermilk marinade?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
You can bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. For best results, bake just before serving.
What other dipping sauces work well with these tenders?
BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or spicy aioli pair wonderfully with these tenders, just like they do with other Super Bowl Snacks like cheesy quesadillas.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I make these spicy?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mixture, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
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