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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1/2 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Calories: About 350 per serving - Protein: Approximately 30 grams - Fat: Roughly 15 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 25 grams When I create Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders, I focus on quality ingredients. The chicken tenders are the star of the dish. They are tender and juicy, perfect for baking. I use Dijon mustard for a sharp taste. Honey adds sweetness and balances the mustard. The olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic powder adds depth. For extra flavor, I sprinkle in smoked paprika. It gives a nice hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Breadcrumbs give the chicken a crispy finish. I like using panko because it’s light and airy. If you want a cheesy kick, add Parmesan. It melts and adds a lovely taste. Now, let's talk nutrition. Each serving has about 350 calories. You get around 30 grams of protein, which is great for muscle health. The fat content is about 15 grams, mostly from the olive oil. Lastly, you have about 25 grams of carbohydrates. These ingredients not only make the dish tasty but also bring a good balance of nutrients. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to achieving that crispy texture. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the chicken from sticking. Next, prepare the marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until it becomes smooth. This tasty marinade adds flavor and moisture to the chicken. Now, it's time to coat the chicken tenders in that delicious marinade. Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece gets a good coating. For the best flavor, let the tenders rest in the marinade for at least 20 minutes. If you can, refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. This will help the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, if you're using it. This adds a nice cheesy flavor and helps with crispiness. Make sure to combine them well. Once the chicken is marinated, take each tender out and let the excess marinade drip off. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. Finally, arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Space them out to allow proper baking. Now, you're ready to bake! To get the perfect crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, crunchy bite. Bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Always check with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe and juicy. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. You can also refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken absorb the tasty honey mustard mix. You can change the marinade by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Pair these chicken tenders with dips like ranch or extra honey mustard. They also go well with sides like fresh veggies or fries. For a nice look, arrange the chicken on a platter. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for color and aroma. {{image_4}} You can make Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders a bit healthier. Baking instead of frying keeps them crispy. You use less oil that way. Just coat your chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake until golden. For those who need gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Look for brands that offer panko-style crumbs. They give a nice crunch, just like the regular ones. Want to mix things up? Use different types of mustard. Spicy brown mustard adds a kick. Honey mustard gives a sweet flavor. Even grainy mustard can work well. Add herbs and spices to create new flavors. Try adding dried thyme or oregano for an herbal note. A pinch of cayenne can bring some heat. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Kids can be picky eaters, but you can make this dish appealing. Reduce the seasoning if your kids prefer milder tastes. You can skip the smoked paprika or garlic powder for a simpler flavor. Serve the chicken tenders with fun dips. Kids love dipping! Pair them with extra honey mustard sauce or ranch dressing. You can even arrange the tenders in fun shapes to make them more exciting. To keep your Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the tenders cool before sealing them. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. If you want to freeze your chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. Then, transfer them to freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can store frozen tenders for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To keep your chicken tenders crispy, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker method. This keeps the outside crunchy while warming the inside. To make Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Whisk Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 4. Coat the chicken tenders in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. 5. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another bowl. 6. Dredge the marinated tenders in the breadcrumb mix. 7. Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This simple process ensures tasty and crispy tenders. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips for even cooking. Chicken breasts take about 20-25 minutes to bake at 400°F. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of your strips. To reheat leftovers, use an oven or air fryer. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes. For air fryers, cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the tenders crispy and tasty. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Store honey mustard sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage. Just thaw the cubes in the fridge before using them again. This way, you always have sauce ready for dipping! You now have all the tools to make delicious honey mustard chicken tenders. We covered the main and additional ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and expert tips. These tenders are easy to customize for any taste and dietary need. Remember to store any leftovers properly so you can enjoy them later. Whether you bake or fry, your meal will impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Get ready to impress with these delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe combines succulent chicken with a sweet and tangy marinade for a flavor explosion. Coated in crispy breadcrumbs, these tenders are perfect for a quick dinner or party snack. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (opt for panko for an extra crispy finish)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for added flavor)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the ingredients are well-combined to create a smooth marinade.

      Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly in the marinade. For an optimal flavor infusion, let the tenders rest in the marinade for at least 20 minutes; for even better results, refrigerate them for up to 2 hours.

        In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if you're using it), ensuring they are evenly combined.

          Once marinated, remove each chicken tender from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a rich coating adheres well.

            Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for proper baking.

              Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.

                Serve these delicious chicken tenders warm, accompanied by extra honey mustard sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the chicken tenders artfully on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, adding vibrant color and a fresh aroma to the dish.