Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or brushing the tenders)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the chicken tenders get perfectly crispy without the need for frying.
Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour for extra seasoning.
- In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with Dijon mustard (if using) until smooth.
- In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the flour, ensuring it is lightly coated. Then, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure the tenders are not overlapping.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the chicken tenders with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Alternatively, you can lightly brush the tenders with olive oil using a pastry brush.
2. Bake the Chicken Tenders:
Bake the Tenders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F or 74°C). The panko breadcrumbs will help the chicken tenders get extra crispy.
Optional Step – Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you like your chicken tenders extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, as broiling can cook food quickly.
3. Make the Honey Mustard Dip:
Combine the Ingredients: While the chicken tenders are baking, prepare the honey mustard dip by combining the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.
Chill the Dip: If you have time, refrigerate the honey mustard dip for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dip extra cool and refreshing.
4. Serve the Chicken Tenders:
Serve Immediately: Once the chicken tenders are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the baked chicken tenders with the honey mustard dip on the side for dipping.
Optional Garnish: For a little extra color and flavor, you can garnish the tenders with fresh lemon wedges or chopped parsley. The lemon wedges add a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and dip.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Side Salad: These chicken tenders are perfect when paired with a simple green salad or coleslaw. The crisp freshness of the salad complements the rich, crispy chicken tenders.
- With Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Serve the tenders with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a more indulgent meal. The crispy fries are perfect for dipping in the honey mustard sauce.
- On a Bun: For a fun twist, serve the chicken tenders on a bun to make mini sandwiches or sliders. Add some lettuce, tomato, and extra honey mustard sauce for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a more nutritious meal.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Chicken Tenders:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: For the crispiest texture, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Brushing or drizzling the chicken with olive oil ensures that it crisps up nicely in the oven. It also adds flavor to the breading.
- Season Every Layer: Be sure to season each layer (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs) to ensure the chicken has flavor from all sides. It’s the key to a flavorful chicken tender.
- Use Fresh Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts will provide the best texture for these tenders. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before starting the recipe.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, you can double coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice. This creates an even thicker, crunchier coating.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover baked chicken tenders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the tenders and the dip to keep them fresh.
Reheating: To reheat the tenders, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness. Avoid microwaving the chicken tenders as this can make them soggy.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture for a spicy kick. You can also add a little hot sauce to the honey mustard dip for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: To make these tenders gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
- Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Add finely chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic, herb-infused flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: While honey mustard is a classic pairing, you can offer additional dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce for variety.
Final Thoughts:
These Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are a healthier, delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. With a crispy coating, juicy chicken, and a tangy dip, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The combination of flavors—savory, sweet, and tangy—creates a balanced dish that’s satisfying without being overly heavy. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a meal, or as part of a party platter, these chicken tenders will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!