There’s something magical about the aroma of baked chicken tenders wafting through the house. Imagine biting into that crispy exterior only to be greeted by juicy, tender chicken inside. With a delightful honey mustard dip waiting to accompany each bite, you’re in for a flavor fiesta that’ll make your taste buds dance.
These baked chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want comfort food without the guilt. I remember the first time I made them; my kids devoured them faster than I could plate them. Trust me; this is one recipe that will bring smiles and satisfied bellies to your kitchen!
– Easy preparation makes these chicken tenders a go-to weeknight meal.
– The flavor profile combines savory and sweet, perfect for all ages.
– Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and vibrant dipping sauce.
– Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes for any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked chicken tenders offer an irresistible crunch and a mouthwatering honey mustard dip that everyone loves
- They’re not only easy to whip up but also customizable based on your favorite spices
- Plus, they look fantastic served on any dinner table!
I still chuckle when I think about how my youngest thought we were having “real” fried chicken until she discovered it was baked — her little face was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh breasts for the juiciest results; about 3-4 will do depending on servings.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light and crispy texture that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
- Eggs: Use large eggs to help bind everything together beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: A simple dusting of flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: This adds an incredible depth of flavor; don’t skip it!
- Paprika: For that lovely color and subtle smokiness; I prefer smoked paprika here.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors; adjust according to taste.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Combine equal parts honey and mustard for a quick dip that’s irresistibly tasty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken tenders bake evenly and become wonderfully crisp.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial for easy cleanup later!
Set Up Your Dredging Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place flour in one, whisked eggs in another, and panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the last one.
Dredge the Chicken Tenders: Take each piece of chicken and coat it first in flour. Then dip it into the egg mixture before finally rolling it in the panko breadcrumb mix. Ensure it’s well-coated for maximum crunch!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the prepared tenders on your baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Whip Up Your Honey Mustard Dip: While your tenders bake, mix honey and mustard together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Now you have deliciously crunchy baked chicken tenders ready to be enjoyed alongside your homemade honey mustard dip! Pair them with a side salad or some fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Enjoy these delightful treats at family gatherings or game days — trust me; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “chicken tender!”
You Must Know
- Baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried options, maintaining crispy texture with less oil
- The honey mustard dip adds a delightful sweetness and tang, enhancing the dish’s flavor
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tenders are sure to please everyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly crispy baked chicken tenders, coat them in flour first, then dip in egg wash, and finally cover with breadcrumbs before baking at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your tenders by adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunchiness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for that crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For crispy baked chicken tenders, ensure they are evenly coated with breadcrumbs
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like barbecue or ranch for variety
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps maintain juiciness and flavor
Cooking these baked chicken tenders is always a hit at my family gatherings; their smiles after tasting them make every effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure they’re heated through thoroughly.
What can I serve with honey mustard dip?
Try pairing it with fresh veggies or even sweet potato fries for a tasty side.
How can I make the chicken tenders spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are irresistibly crunchy and juicy, paired with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or game day snacks!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Honey mustard sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken tender in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Arrange the tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the honey mustard dip, mix equal parts honey and mustard in a small bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
