Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners can be a total scramble. Between juggling work, kids’ schedules, and trying to eat something other than cereal (again), we all need recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious. Enter Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders—a tangy, crunchy, crowd-pleasing dish that’ll make you feel like you’ve mastered weeknight magic without breaking a sweat.

These golden beauties have just the right mix of savory crunch and zesty flavor, thanks to a Dijon mustard and honey combo that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. The best part? They’re baked, not fried—so you get all the crispiness without standing over a greasy pan.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

✔️ Kid-approved and adult-loved – Picky eaters? No problem. These tenders have just enough flavor to keep adults happy while staying familiar for the kiddos.
✔️ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
✔️ Versatile – Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even game-day snacking. Pair them with fries, a fresh salad, or dunk them in your favorite sauces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into strips for easy dipping.
• Dijon mustard – Brings that irresistible tang.
• Honey – Balances the mustard’s zing with sweetness.
• Breadcrumbs – Panko makes them extra crispy, but regular works too.
• Garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
• Onion powder – Adds depth to the flavor.
• Paprika – For color and a touch of smokiness.
• Salt and black pepper – Essentials for seasoning.
• All-purpose flour – Helps everything stick.
• Eggs – Act as your breadcrumb glue.
• Cooking spray or oil – For that golden crunch.

Want extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix. Gluten-free? Swap breadcrumbs for your favorite GF option.

Check the recipe card for exact measurements and nutrition details.

How to Make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Making these tenders is super straightforward—no fancy techniques, just simple steps that even a beginner can nail. Here’s a detailed breakdown so you can follow along easily:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with oil. A hot oven is key to getting that perfectly crisp coating.

2. Make the Mustard Mix

In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and honey until smooth. This tangy-sweet mixture will coat your chicken strips, giving them that signature flavor. If you like things spicier, you can stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce at this stage.

3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating

Grab a shallow dish and combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Feel free to taste the breadcrumb mix before coating—this is your chance to adjust seasonings! Add more paprika for smokiness or extra garlic powder if that’s your thing.

4. Create Your Dipping Stations

Set up a little assembly line: one dish with flour, one dish with beaten eggs, and your breadcrumb dish last. This step keeps things organized and way less messy. Pro tip: use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet so you don’t end up with “breadcrumb gloves.”

5. Coat the Chicken Strips

Take each chicken strip and go through the process: flour first (shake off excess), egg second (let any extra drip off), and breadcrumbs last (press gently to help them stick). Repeat for all pieces—this is a great step for kids to help with if they like to get involved in the kitchen.

6. Arrange and Bake

Place your coated tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer—no overlapping! Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with oil. This little step ensures they bake up golden and crispy without deep frying.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the coating is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F in the thickest piece.

8. Cool and Serve

Once baked, let them rest for a few minutes before digging in. This helps the coating firm up and keeps your fingers from burning (trust me on this one!). Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce—whatever your crew loves.

Aneta’s Tip

The first time I made these, my kids called them “fancy nuggets,” and honestly, that name stuck! They’ve since become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something homemade but fuss-free. Pro tip: double the batch—leftovers are amazing for salads or wraps the next day.

FAQs About Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Ready to Try These Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?

These Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for busy nights. They’re easy, flavorful, and loved by kids and adults alike. Make them once, and you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Grab your honey, Dijon mustard, and breadcrumbs—your new favorite weeknight dinner is waiting!

Whether you’re serving them as a quick family dinner, packing leftovers for lunch the next day, or laying them out as a snack for game night, they’ll be gone before you know it. The mix of sweet, tangy, and crispy is just irresistible! If you try them, I’d love to hear what your family thinks—share your photos, tips, or your own creative twists. Cooking is always better when it’s shared, so let’s keep the chicken magic going together!

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more easy and flavorful chicken dishes to try next? Here are some delicious options to add to your weekly menu. Each of these recipes is simple, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without too much fuss.

• Try the zesty crunch of these crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwiches for a fun twist on classic chicken.
• For a lighter meal, this refreshing coconut chicken rice bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner and comes together quickly.
• If you love bold spices, you’ll enjoy this comforting one-pot shawarma chicken and rice recipe that fills the house with amazing aromas.
• For an easy weeknight favorite, make these flavorful oven-baked Greek chicken thighs. They pair beautifully with salads, rice, or roasted veggies.

These recipes are fantastic options to keep your menu exciting and versatile. Bookmark a few of them for those nights when you need something reliable yet full of flavor!

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