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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Sauce

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These crispy baked chicken tenders are coated with a double layer of seasoned flour and panko-Parmesan mixture, baked to golden perfection, and served with a tangy and sweet honey mustard dipping sauce. A quick, easy, and healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh chicken tenders, trimmed
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for coating
  • For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl and pour over 1 cup of buttermilk. Stir gently to coat all pieces. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. In one shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a second bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip briefly back in buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere.
  6. Arrange coated tenders on the wire rack spaced apart. Lightly spray or brush each tender with cooking spray or olive oil.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip tenders and bake an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While tenders bake, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the honey mustard sauce. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  9. Let tenders rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Notes

Double-dipping the chicken in flour and buttermilk before coating with panko-Parmesan is key for maximum crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Baking at high heat (425°F) ensures a crispy crust and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness; reheat in oven instead. Variations include gluten-free flours, adding spices like cayenne or smoked paprika, and using an air fryer for faster cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, crispy chicken, honey mustard sauce, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken tenders

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders-recipe-with-easy-honey-mustard-sauce/