The aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake these chicken tenders is nothing short of magical. Crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip will make your taste buds dance like no one’s watching. You’ll want to whip this up every night of the week!
Picture this: it’s a rainy Tuesday evening, you’re huddled on the couch watching your favorite show, and suddenly the doorbell rings. It’s your neighbor asking if you’re still alive or just hoarding snacks. You invite them in for a bite of your freshly made Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip, and they instantly declare you the culinary hero of the block. Cue applause!
– These chicken tenders are a breeze to prepare and bake without all the frying fuss.
– The blend of crunchy breading and tender meat creates an irresistible texture.
– Serve them up in minutes for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses.
– Pair them with a homemade honey mustard dip that’s both tangy and sweet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious baked chicken tenders offer effortless preparation without sacrificing flavor
- Customize the honey mustard dip to suit your taste buds perfectly
- Their golden brown crunch makes them visually appealing at any gathering
- An unbeatable option for lunchboxes or game day snacking!
I remember the first time I made these for my family; my kids gobbled them up so fast that I almost considered hiding some for myself!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: They provide an extra crunch—perfect for achieving that crispy coating we all love.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as the adhesive that holds everything together during baking.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting helps create a base layer before adding seasoning and breadcrumbs.
- Garlic Powder: A dash adds wonderful depth to each tender without being overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all those lovely flavors in your dish.
- Honey Mustard Sauce Ingredients: Honey and dijon mustard mixed together make the perfect dipping companion!
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 even cooking while keeping those tenders crispy as can be.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial; nobody likes a sticky situation!
Create Your Dredging Station: In three separate bowls, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder in the last.
Dip Those Tenders!: Take a piece of chicken and coat it well in flour first—this helps everything stick nicely—then dip into eggs before rolling it around in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet without crowding them. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Whip Up That Honey Mustard Dip!: While waiting for those delicious tenders to bake, simply mix equal parts honey and dijon mustard in a small bowl until well blended—easy peasy!
Enjoy serving up these delightful Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip at your next gathering or simply treat yourself after a long day!
You Must Know
- Baked chicken tenders are not just healthier; they save you from the greasy aftermath of frying
- The honey mustard dip adds a delightful twist that’ll make your taste buds dance
- Plus, they’re a hit at parties and easy to whip up on a weeknight!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare your breading station before seasoning the chicken for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or add spices like paprika to elevate flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh chicken breasts for juicier tenders; frozen may lead to dryness
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before baking for perfect crispness
- Don’t skip marinating; it deeply flavors the chicken while ensuring tenderness
Cooking these baked chicken tenders with honey mustard dip always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using fresh chicken yields better texture and flavor compared to frozen options.
What can I substitute for honey in the dip?
Maple syrup works well if you’re looking for a different sweetener option.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers should be consumed within three days for optimal freshness and taste.
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are crispy, juicy delights that bring comfort to any meal. Perfectly paired with a sweet and tangy dip, they’re a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Honey and dijon mustard for the dip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then roll in panko until fully coated.
- Place on the baking sheet without overcrowding and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix equal parts honey and dijon mustard in a small bowl for the dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (120g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika to the breadcrumb mixture or using crushed cornflakes instead of panko. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
