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Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

crispy baked honey mustard chicken tenders - featured image

Crispy baked chicken tenders coated with a light breading and finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. This easy homemade recipe delivers juicy, flavorful tenders perfect for quick dinners or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680 grams) fresh, skinless chicken tenders
  • ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup honey (about 3.4 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100 grams)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. In another bowl, beat the eggs with water to create an egg wash.
  5. Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated tenders on the wire rack or baking sheet.
  6. Lightly spray or brush the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil to encourage crispiness.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until coating is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from oven and brush the honey mustard sauce over each tender while still hot.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Use a wire rack for crispier tenders; if unavailable, flip tenders halfway through baking. Brush honey mustard sauce after baking to keep coating crisp. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Reheat leftovers in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, honey mustard, baked chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, homemade chicken tenders