Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavourful strips of tender chicken coated in a golden crust and finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. Served with extra sauce for dipping, these tenders are perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders offer the ideal combination of crisp coating, juicy interior, and a bold, sweet–savory flavour profile. They are oven-baked or air-fried for convenience, making them lighter yet still deliciously crunchy. The honey mustard glaze adds a glossy finish and irresistible taste that appeals to both children and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts

• flour or breadcrumbs

• eggs

• salt

• black pepper

• garlic powder

• paprika

• oil spray or cooking oil

Honey Mustard Sauce:

• honey

• Dijon mustard

• yellow mustard

• mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)

• lemon juice

• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Set up a breading station with flour (or breadcrumbs), beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs or flour.

3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Dip each piece into the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs.

5. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

6. Spray lightly with oil to promote crispness.

7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

8. Meanwhile, whisk together all honey mustard sauce ingredients.

9. Brush the cooked chicken with the honey mustard glaze, reserving some for dipping.

10. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard Tenders: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Panko-Crusted: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.

• Grilled Version: Grill the chicken and brush with sauce before serving.

• Maple Mustard: Replace honey with maple syrup for deeper sweetness.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Chicken tenders can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer without thawing.

FAQs

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken and avoid turning too frequently.

Can I deep fry the tenders?

Yes, fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and fully cooked.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, cut into strips and prepare the same way.

Why are my tenders not crispy?

They may need more oil spray or higher heat.

Can I skip the eggs?

Use buttermilk or mustard as a binder instead.

Is the sauce sweet or tangy?

It has both sweet honey notes and tangy mustard flavours.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Can I use only Dijon mustard?

Yes, but combining Dijon and yellow mustard gives balanced flavour.

Why is my chicken dry?

It may have been overcooked; check for doneness earlier next time.

Can I serve these with other dips?

Yes, ranch, barbecue, or garlic mayo all pair well.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders deliver a perfect blend of crunch, tenderness, and bold flavour. With their simple preparation, versatile cooking methods, and irresistible honey mustard glaze, they are an excellent choice for meals or entertaining. This recipe is easy, reliable, and sure to become a favourite in any kitchen.

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