If youโre searching for a meal thatโs as fun to eat as it is satisfying to prepare, look no further than crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard. Thereโs something magical about biting into juicy, flavorful chicken encased in a golden, crunchy coatingโespecially when you can dunk each piece in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or lively gatherings, and itโs guaranteed to transport you straight to comfort food heaven.
Ingredients Youโll Need
The beauty of these crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard lies in a lineup of everyday ingredients that each serve a delicious purpose. Quality chicken, a crisp breading, and that irresistible honey mustard sauce all come together to create a meal thatโs much more than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken tenders: Choose fresh or high-quality chicken tenders for juicy, tender bites every time.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the first barrier, helping the egg and panko stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Eggs: Their rich texture helps bind everything together for a golden, even crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are the secret to an irresistibly crunchy exterior.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth, a touch of nuttiness, and gorgeous color to your crust.
- Garlic powder: For savory flavor that infuses the coating without overpowering the chicken.
- Paprika: A pinch brings a pop of color and a subtle smoky warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic duo for seasoning every layer.
- Cooking spray or oil: A light spritz ensures maximum crispness in the oven.
- Honey: The key sweetener in your honey mustard, it balances the tang and adds a glossy finish.
- Dijon mustard: Its bold, sharp flavor is essential for an authentically zippy sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the honey mustard thick, creamy, and dippable.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the sauce, tying together all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 425ยฐF and line a baking sheet with parchment or foilโthis step guarantees easy clean-up! Line up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Having your assembly line ready speeds up the breading process and ensures you wonโt make a mess.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Pat each chicken tender dry with a paper towel, then dredge them one at a time: first coat in flour (shaking off any excess), dip in the egg to completely cover, then press into the panko mixture. Gently press the coating onto each piece for even crispiness, and arrange the breaded tenders on your baking sheet. Give each one a quick spritz with cooking spray or a drizzle of oilโthis is the finishing touch that makes the oven do all the โfrying.โ
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your baking sheet onto the middle rack and bake the tenders for 16โ20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Theyโre ready when the crust is deeply golden and the chicken is fully cookedโjuicy inside, crispy outside! If you want that extra crunch, broil for an extra minute at the end, keeping an eye so they donโt overbrown.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken is baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the balanceโmore honey for extra sweetness, more lemon for zing. This creamy, dreamy sauce is what takes your crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard straight into favorite meal territory!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Pull the chicken out and let it cool slightly so those crunchy crusts set. Scoop the tenders onto a platter with your honey mustard sauce in the center. Be prepared for these to disappear quicklyโone dunk and everyone will be hooked!
How to Serve Crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard
Garnishes
Brighten your platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of green. Lemon wedges add a lovely touch of color and offer guests an extra citrusy option. A bit of fresh cracked pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika over the top can also make your crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
Turn this dish into a complete meal by adding fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. Sweet potato fries or roasted veggies are perfect for soaking up extra sauce, while a simple coleslaw brings cool crunch as a contrast to the hot, crispy tenders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken tenders lined up on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of honey mustard for dunking. For parties, skewer the tenders with colorful picks, or slice them onto salads and wraps. However you present crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard, youโre guaranteed smiles and empty plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If youโve managed to save a few tenders (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Theyโll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, maintaining most of their crispy charm.
Freezing
Baked chicken tenders freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled, lay them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and lets you grab just what you need. Theyโll keep well in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
To recapture that original crispiness, reheat your tenders in a 400ยฐF oven or in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crunchy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but a quick bake is your best bet for reviving that irresistible coating. The honey mustard sauce can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed if desired.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders. Theyโll bake up just as juicy and crispy.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. The results will be just as golden and satisfying.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The honey mustard can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, the flavors often deepen with a little time, making your crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard even more delicious.
Can I use a different type of mustard in the sauce?
Of course! While Dijon gives a classic zing, whole grain or spicy brown mustards will add their own unique flavor and texture to your honey mustard sauce.
How do I make my coating extra crispy without frying?
Spritzing the breaded chicken with oil or cooking spray before baking helps. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated and bake on a wire rack if possible for maximum airflow and crispness.
Final Thoughts
If youโre looking for a meal that ticks every boxโcrisp, juicy, easy, and endlessly dippableโcrispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard belong at the top of your must-try list. Gather your loved ones, break out your favorite dipping bowls, and let this fun, flavorful dish brighten your table. Youโre truly in for a treat!
PrintCrispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These crispy baked chicken tenders are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Coated with a golden breadcrumb crust and served alongside a creamy homemade honey mustard sauce, theyโre irresistibly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare for Breading: Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In the third bowl, combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender first in the flour to coat, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated. Arrange coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Tenders: Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF/74ยฐC).
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the tenders bake, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are golden and crispy, serve them hot, accompanied by the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use all panko breadcrumbs and skip the regular breadcrumbs.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the honey mustard for a lighter dip.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips if tenders arenโt available.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tenders with 2 tbsp sauce
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
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