The aroma of baked chicken tenders wafts through the air, inviting you to take a bite and savor that perfect crunch. Paired with a honey mustard dip that dances on your taste buds, this dish is an irresistible treat that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Picture this: a cozy family gathering where laughter fills the room, and someone pulls out a platter of these golden-brown delights. It’s love at first sight; everyone dives in as if they’ve just discovered buried treasure. Whether it’s game night or a simple weeknight dinner, these baked chicken tenders are destined to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked chicken tenders offer an effortless cooking experience without sacrificing flavor
- The combination of crispy texture and dipping sauce creates an unforgettable taste
- They look fabulous on any plate, making them great for gatherings or casual dinners
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides!
I remember one memorable birthday party when my niece took her first bite and declared it the best thing she’d ever eaten. Her joy was contagious!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light coating helps the egg wash stick better to create a crispy crust.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will provide moisture and help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these basic flavors!
- Paprika: Adds color and subtle smokiness; smoked paprika works wonders here.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: A mix of honey and mustard gives you that sweet-and-tangy flavor everyone loves.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for non-stick goodness.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into tender strips; ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Create the Dredging Station: Set up three bowls—one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and finally one filled with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
Dip and Coat: Take each chicken strip and coat it in flour first, then dip it in egg wash before rolling it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the coated strips on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Whisk Up Your Dip!: While baking, whisk together equal parts honey and mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders straight from the oven dipped in that delicious honey mustard sauce! They will disappear faster than you can say “finger-licking good.”
Now grab your favorite sides—perhaps some crunchy coleslaw or crispy fries—and get ready to impress your family or friends!
You Must Know
- Baked chicken tenders are not only healthier than fried, but they also soak up flavors beautifully
- The honey mustard dip adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the tenders
- Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F while breading them, then bake until golden brown for about 20-25 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices to personalize the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached 165°F; this guarantees perfect doneness every time
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly, making it a must-try!
- Always let cooked tenders rest for a few minutes before serving
There’s nothing quite like sharing these baked chicken tenders with friends during game night; their faces light up with joy as they dip into that rich honey mustard sauce!
FAQ
Can I make baked chicken tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts as a substitute.
How do I make the honey mustard dip?
Mix equal parts honey and mustard, adjusting to taste for desired sweetness and tanginess.
What sides pair well with baked chicken tenders?
Fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad complement this dish perfectly.
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
Enjoy crispy, oven-baked chicken tenders paired with a delightful honey mustard dip. This easy dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips for even cooking.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt, pepper, paprika), one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Arrange coated strips on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk together honey and mustard for the dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
