Go Back
- 1 pound chicken tenders: This is the main ingredient. Choose fresh ones for the best taste. - 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy flavor to the marinade. - 1/4 cup honey: Honey brings sweetness and balances the mustard's bite. - 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the marinade stick and adds richness. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a nice savory kick. - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a hint of smokiness. - Salt and pepper to taste: Use these to season the chicken well. - 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work great for that extra crunch. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): This adds a cheesy flavor and a bit more crunch. These ingredients come together to create a delicious dish that everyone will love. You can play with the seasonings to make it your own. Experimenting can lead to fun new flavors! First, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup of honey. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the marinade stick. Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients well until smooth. You should have a nice, thick marinade. Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Place 1 pound of chicken tenders into the bowl. Make sure each tender is covered in that tasty marinade. For the best flavor, let them sit. Twenty minutes is good, but two hours in the fridge is even better. Now, let's prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs. If you want some extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This step is optional. It makes the coating even tastier. Take each chicken tender out of the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off, so it’s not too wet. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press down lightly on the chicken. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. Once coated, place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spread out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for crispy chicken. Once the oven is ready, put the baking sheet in. Bake the chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm, with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful finger food! For great flavor, marinate your chicken tenders for at least 20 minutes. You can let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours for an even richer taste. If you want to boost the flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce. These extra ingredients give a nice kick to your honey mustard blend. Choosing the right breadcrumbs is key. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs if you want an extra crunch. They create a light, crispy texture that everyone will love. You can cook these tenders in an air fryer for a healthier option, or fry them in a pan if you prefer a more classic method. Both ways will give you that crispy finish. Serve your honey mustard chicken tenders with fun dips! Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or extra honey mustard make great options. For sides, consider crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some roasted vegetables. To make your dish look nice, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and makes it more appealing. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sweetener in this recipe. Instead of honey, try using maple syrup or agave. Both options give a nice sweetness. They also add their own unique flavor. This change is fun and can surprise your taste buds. You might also want to play with spices in the marinade. Instead of garlic powder and smoked paprika, try using Italian herbs or curry powder. A little cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick. Experimenting with spice blends can make your chicken tenders truly special. If you're looking for gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and keep the crunch. You can also make your own by crushing gluten-free crackers. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. For those who are vegan, you can swap chicken tenders for plant-based alternatives. Look for brands that offer vegan chicken strips. They often have a similar texture. You can use the same marinade and coating method. This way, everyone can enjoy honey mustard chicken tenders! To store honey mustard chicken tenders in the fridge, first, let them cool completely. Place the tenders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method helps keep them crispy. To freeze cooked chicken tenders, make sure they are fully cooled. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, take the tenders out and place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. For the best texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Honey mustard chicken tenders take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook in the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the tenders get crispy and golden. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and fully cooked. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. If you start with frozen tenders, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to make sure they cook all the way through. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (75°C). You can serve honey mustard chicken tenders with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - French fries or sweet potato fries: These are classic and fun. - Coleslaw: This adds a crunchy and tangy touch. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans work well. - Salad: A fresh salad balances the meal. - Dips: Serve with extra honey mustard or ranch dressing for more flavor. You now know how to make honey mustard chicken tenders. Start with fresh ingredients like chicken, Dijon mustard, and honey. Mix a flavorful marinade and coat the chicken well. Follow our baking tips for the best results. Feel free to explore variations and dietary needs. Remember to store your tenders properly for later. With these simple steps, you can create a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Your kitchen is now ready for some fun cooking!

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Savor the deliciousness of honey mustard chicken tenders with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, these tender morsels are coated in a flavorful honey mustard marinade and crispy breadcrumbs. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can impress your family and friends. Click through to discover how to make these mouthwatering chicken tenders today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended to form a marinade.

      Place the chicken tenders in the bowl with the marinade and coat them evenly. For best flavor, let them marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

        In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

          Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.

            Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly apart.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is recommended.

                Serve warm with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a serving platter, garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.