Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Introduction

Chicken tenders are a universal favorite—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. This recipe for Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard takes the classic fried version and makes it healthier without sacrificing flavor or crunch. By coating the chicken in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baking it until golden brown, you get that satisfying crispiness without the extra oil.

The honey mustard dipping sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate these tenders into something irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or a kid-friendly meal, this recipe is sure to win over everyone at the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it proves that baked food can be just as delicious as fried food. The panko breadcrumb coating gives the tenders a light, shatteringly crisp texture, while the chicken stays moist and tender. Pairing it with homemade honey mustard dipping sauce makes each bite flavorful and comforting.

It’s also guilt-free compared to traditional fried chicken tenders, so you can enjoy them more often. And best of all—it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require standing over hot oil.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders.
• Perfect for both kids and adults.
• Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
• Honey mustard dipping sauce takes it to the next level.
• Versatile—great for dinner, snacks, or party appetizers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4 (about 12 tenders)
• Calories (per serving, with honey mustard): ~390–420 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray lightly with oil.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
   • Bowl 1: Place flour.
   • Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
   • Bowl 3: Mix panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
   • Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into egg mixture.
   • Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
   • Place coated tenders on the wire rack (this helps them crisp up on all sides).
   • Spray tops with cooking spray or lightly drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake the Chicken Tenders:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
   • Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
   • Chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with honey mustard on the side for dipping.
• Pair with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
• Perfect addition to party platters or kids’ lunchboxes.

Recipe Tips

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Don’t skip the wire rack—it ensures crispy tenders.
• For even crispier tenders, double-coat: dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
• Spray the tenders well with oil before baking for maximum crunch.

Variations

• Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to breadcrumb mixture.
• Herb-Crusted: Mix in Italian seasoning, parsley, or oregano.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheesy Twist: Add extra Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the coating.
• Different Sauce Pairings: Try ranch, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce instead of honey mustard.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
• Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled tenders in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to bags. Keep up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Freezer (uncooked): Bread chicken, place on tray, freeze, then bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wire rack (for crisp baking)
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard is a recipe that proves you don’t need deep frying to achieve ultimate crispiness. The flavorful breadcrumb coating, juicy chicken, and tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce make it a meal that’s both comforting and healthier.

Perfect for family dinners, parties, or quick snacks, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. With easy prep, endless variations, and freezer-friendly storage, these tenders are a true kitchen winner.

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Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 90–420 kcal per serving

Description

Chicken tenders are a universal favorite—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. This recipe for Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard takes the classic fried version and makes it healthier without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray lightly with oil.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations: Bowl 1: Place flour. Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk. Bowl 3: Mix panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture. Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place coated tenders on the wire rack (this helps them crisp up on all sides). Spray tops with cooking spray or lightly drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

Keywords: Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard