The savory aroma of Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders wafts through the air, instantly making your mouth water. Imagine biting into a juicy, tender piece of chicken, perfectly coated in a crunchy mustard crust that packs a flavor punch.
Whenever I make these tenders, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter echoed and everyone fought over the last piece. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive get-together, these chicken tenders are always a hit, leaving everyone begging for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These crispy tenders are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- The unique mustard flavor profile adds a delightful twist to traditional chicken tenders.
- Their golden-brown visual appeal will impress guests and family alike.
- Versatile enough to serve with various dipping sauces or sides, they fit any occasion seamlessly.
Ingredients for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts offer the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.
Mustard: Use your favorite type—Dijon or whole grain adds depth and zing to the flavor.
Bread Crumbs: Opt for panko bread crumbs for that irresistible crunch.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken beautifully.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder elevates the dish with its savory goodness.
Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness that complements the mustard.
For the Dipping Sauce:
Honey: Sweet honey balances the tanginess of mustard perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will keep everything nice and tidy while your tenders bake.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken
Slice your boneless chicken breasts into strips about an inch wide. This ensures even cooking and helps those crispy edges form perfectly during baking.
Step 3: Make Your Coating
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs; in another bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. You want to create an assembly line—chicken in one hand, egg wash in the other!
Step 4: Drench and Coat
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg wash until fully coated. Then roll it around in your breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely covered. Don’t skimp on that coating—you’re aiming for maximum crunch!
Step 5: Bake It Up
Place your coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with olive oil spray; this extra touch will help them become golden brown as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy.
Step 6: Whip Up Your Sauce
While the chicken bakes away like a superstar in its oven spotlight, stir together honey and mustard in a small bowl for your dipping sauce—easy peasy!
To serve these delectable tenders, transfer them onto plates and drizzle with that sweet mustard sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing crispy mustard chicken tenders recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for frying but versatile enough for baking or air-frying.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken tenders first to lock in that juicy goodness, then prepare your dipping sauce while they cook. Toss some veggies on the side for a complete meal, and voilà! Dinner is served with style.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mustard for honey or barbecue sauce if you’re feeling adventurous! Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist, or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy allure. The choice is yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover crispy mustard chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy chicken tenders, ensure your oil is hot before frying to avoid sogginess.
- Let the tenders rest after cooking; this helps retain moisture.
- Always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and zest.
Sometimes I whip these up when friends come over, and they disappear faster than my hopes of having leftovers! Watching everyone enjoy them is a memory I cherish, especially when they ask for the recipe!
FAQs:
What makes Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders so special?
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders stand out due to their unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch. The combination of mustard, herbs, and spices creates a zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with deliciousness. Additionally, the crispy coating seals in moisture, giving you tender meat inside. This recipe is not just about taste; it also provides a delightful texture that enhances your dining experience.
How can I make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders healthier?
To make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders healthier, consider using whole grain breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also bake them instead of frying for a lower fat option. Another tip is to use skinless chicken breasts to reduce calorie content while still enjoying the crispy crust. Pairing these tenders with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables further boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
Can I prepare Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders in advance. Marinate the chicken in the mustard mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to develop even further. You can also coat them ahead of time and freeze them for later use. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake or fry from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
What dips pair well with Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various dips. Honey mustard sauce complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the tangy taste of the tenders. Alternatively, barbecue sauce provides a smoky sweetness that contrasts nicely with the crispy coating. For those who enjoy a kick, spicy ranch dressing or sriracha mayo adds an exciting heat element to your dish.
Conclusion for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders:
In summary, Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders offer an irresistible combination of flavor and texture that makes them perfect for any occasion. Their zesty mustard marinade infuses each tender piece with delightfully bold tastes while maintaining juiciness inside a crunchy coating. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, these tenders promise satisfaction for all palates. Try this recipe today for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love!
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender chicken strips coated in a zesty mustard and crunchy breadcrumb mixture. These flavorful tenders are baked to perfection for a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, serve them with your choice of dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup Dijon or whole grain mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- For the dipping sauce: 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips about an inch wide.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg wash, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, mix honey and mustard together for dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, consider frying the tenders instead of baking them. Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
