If you are craving something irresistibly crispy yet tender and bursting with flavor, this Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe will steal your heart and your taste buds in one bite. Combining the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard with a hint of spice, these chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy panko crust that makes every mouthful a delightful adventure. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish brings comfort and excitement together, leaving you eager for the next serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential for creating that crispy, flavorful coating and juicy inside. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding moisture to the chicken to delivering the perfect blend of spice and sweetness that defines this dish.
- Large eggs: Act as a binding agent, helping the breading stick to the chicken tenders perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds that smooth tangy depth which pairs beautifully with honey’s sweetness.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the mustard’s sharpness and enhances the glaze.
- Cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle kick of heat, divided to season both the wet and dry mixes just right.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for building layers of flavor throughout.
- Panko bread crumbs: Provide an extra crispy, airy texture to the chicken’s crust.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone for a deeper flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: A subtle hint of savory richness that complements the other spices.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the wet batter stick better to the chicken by creating a dry surface first.
- Chicken tenderloins: The star of the recipe, offering tender, juicy meat with quick cooking time.
- Cooking spray: Ensures a crispy finish without excess oil.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Setup
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF. This high temperature is key to achieving a golden and crunchy exterior. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The wire rack allows the air to circulate under the tenders, keeping them crispy all around instead of soggy on the bottom.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, honey, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste. This wet mixture acts like a flavorful glue for the crisp coating and infuses the chicken with sweet and tangy layers right on the surface.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Panko
In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, the remaining cayenne, and garlic powder. This combination creates the irresistible golden crust you want that’s bursting with spice and smokiness.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Place the flour in another shallow bowl. Take each chicken tenderloin, first dredging it in flour to help the next layers stick, then dip it thoroughly in the wet mixture, and finally press it into the panko mixture. Pat the breading onto the tenders firmly so every bit is coated. This triple-layer process guarantees the perfect crunch and flavor adhesion for every bite.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Arrange the breaded tenders on the wire rack-lined baking sheet with space between each piece, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Mist the chicken lightly with cooking spray; this helps the crust brown beautifully without deep frying. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crisp. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the exterior is a mouthwatering golden brown.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and fresh with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. These herbs add a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, crispy tenders. For an extra zing, a drizzle of homemade or store-bought honey mustard sauce brings everything full circle.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad complement the Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe perfectly by adding crunch and refreshing balance. Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries offer a hearty, wholesome addition while keeping the meal colorful and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun meal, serve these tenders as a build-your-own slider station with mini buns, lettuce, and pickles. Alternatively, slice the tenders over a bed of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette to make an elevated yet simple salad. Serving them with a trio of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, and a spicy aioli, invites everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, cool any leftover chicken tenders to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days to retain their flavor and texture as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked tenders by laying them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for a quick meal when you need it.
Reheating
To revive that crispy texture, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Set the oven to 350ºF and warm the tenders for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method helps keep the breading crunchy and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time as thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Is it necessary to use panko bread crumbs?
Panko is preferred for the extra crunch it delivers, but you can substitute with regular bread crumbs if needed. Just note that regular crumbs might create a denser coating rather than a light, crispy crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many brands offer gluten-free panko which will maintain that crunch you’re looking for.
How spicy is this recipe with the cayenne pepper?
The amount of cayenne pepper used gives just a subtle warmth that warms the palate without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the cayenne up or down depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of baking?
Definitely! You can bread the chicken tenders and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes it easy to prepare ahead and pop into the oven when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe is like passing along a little tasty magic that I hope will brighten your mealtimes as much as it does mine. It’s crispy, flavorful, and super approachable, making it a perfect go-to when you want something that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try, and watch these tenders become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders baked to perfection with a spicy and tangy coating made from a honey mustard egg wash and seasoned panko bread crumbs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick family dinner and pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Ingredients
Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Breading Mixture
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ lb chicken tenderloins
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow even air circulation during baking.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a pie plate or shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, dijon mustard, honey, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste until fully combined to create the honey mustard egg wash.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In another pie plate, combine the panko bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk together to evenly distribute the spices.
- Prepare Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in a separate pie plate or shallow bowl to use for dredging the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the wet egg wash mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned panko bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the breaded chicken tenders spaced apart on the wire rack-lined baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a crispy golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to allow the coating to adhere better.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with ranch dressing, extra honey mustard sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the chicken tenders on the rack to allow air to circulate and achieve even baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
