Description
These Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard are a delicious and kid-friendly main course featuring crispy baked chicken coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, and spices. Paired with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid crispiness.
- Mix Breadcrumb Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and cheeses.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until well blended. This will be used to help the coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then press it into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the coated tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray to encourage browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption, and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy complement to the savory tenders.
- Serve: Serve the warm baked chicken tenders with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side for dipping and enjoying immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before coating the chicken tenders.
- This recipe is perfect for kids and works well for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.