The aroma of baked chicken tenders wafting through the house is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture this: juicy chicken coated in crunchy breadcrumbs that practically sing when you bite into them. Then there’s that honey mustard dip—sweet, tangy, and begging for a dunk. It’s pure culinary magic.
Now imagine this dish at your next family gathering or cozy movie night; it’s bound to steal the show! Let’s not forget how easy they are to whip up—perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without breaking a sweat. Buckle up; you’re in for an incredible flavor ride!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked chicken tenders are super easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup
- The flavor is unbeatable, featuring tender meat paired with a crunchy coating
- They look fantastic on your dinner table and are versatile enough for dipping sauces or sides
- Ideal for kids and adults alike—everyone will love them!
I remember the first time I made these for my family; the kids were fighting over the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they’re easier to cook evenly than thighs.
- Bread Crumbs: I recommend Panko for extra crunch; it makes all the difference!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds richness and depth—trust me on this one!
- Eggs: These help the coating stick beautifully; don’t skip them!
- Honey Mustard: A balanced blend of sweetness and tanginess is essential for that perfect dip.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle helps achieve that golden crust without frying.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance everything; taste before baking!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup later.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice your boneless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly. Season them well with salt and pepper.
Create Your Dipping Stations: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another mixed with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Get ready to go all assembly line!
Dip and Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken through the flour for a light dusting first. Next, dunk it in egg wash before covering it generously in breadcrumb mixture.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your coated tenders onto the prepared sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Whip Up That Honey Mustard Dip: While they bake, combine honey and mustard in a small bowl until well blended—adjust ratios based on how sweet or tangy you like it!
Now you’ve got crispy baked chicken tenders waiting just for you—and don’t forget that heavenly honey mustard dip!
Enjoy your meal while reminiscing about that time at Grandma’s house when she made her famous fried chicken—but without all that grease!
You Must Know
- Baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Pair them with a honey mustard dip for a flavor explosion
- Cooking at high heat ensures they’re perfectly golden, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat chicken tenders with breadcrumbs, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch. Try adding spices like paprika or garlic powder for more flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure crispy baked chicken tenders, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them space to breathe
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and don’t skip the marinating step for tender meat
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C)
A memorable moment was when my friend declared these chicken tenders “the best thing since sliced bread.” It made me proud knowing I had put smiles on faces with a simple recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, just increase baking time by about 5-10 minutes until fully cooked.
How can I make these tenders spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.
What can I serve with the honey mustard dip?
These tenders pair well with fresh veggies, potato wedges, or a crisp salad.
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the crispy goodness of baked chicken tenders paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip—perfect for family dinners or game day snacking.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup honey mustard
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange coated tenders on the baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the honey mustard dip, blend honey and mustard to taste in a small bowl while the chicken bakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: - For extra crunch, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or add spices like paprika to the coating mixture. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.