Go Back
In the world of comfort food, few dishes can compare to the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked chicken tenders. This recipe for Crunchy Chicken Bliss not only delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior but also pairs beautifully with a homemade honey mustard sauce. Ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or even meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we will explore the secrets to achieving the ultimate chicken tenders, from marinating to baking, alongside a delightful dipping sauce that elevates the flavor profile.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Crunchy Chicken Bliss! This easy recipe features perfectly baked chicken tenders with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, paired with a delectable homemade honey mustard sauce. Ideal for family dinners, game days, or meal prep, these tenders are bound to become a household favorite. Learn the secrets of marinating and baking chicken to achieve that perfect crunch and savor the delightful flavors in every bite. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken breast tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

    Prepare the Breading: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let excess buttermilk drip off each tender, then dip them one by one into the flour, making sure to coat fully. Shake off any excess flour before dipping them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

        Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet, ensuring they're spaced apart. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders for extra crispiness.

          Bake the Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Flip them halfway through baking for even crisping.

            Make the Honey Mustard: While the chicken is baking, whip up the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with the honey mustard sauce for dipping.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings