Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a crispy panko crust and served with a sweet-tangy honey mustard glaze that makes them the best you'll ever make. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish, beat 1 large egg in another dish, and mix 1 cup panko with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp paprika in a third dish.
  2. Step 2: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess; dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in panko mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet and lightly brush with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, whisk 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, drizzle with honey-mustard glaze, and serve immediately while crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Best Ever Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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