Crispy Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries

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

Golden baked chicken tenders coated in a sweet-savory honey-mustard glaze, served with oven-baked zucchini sticks for a hidden veggie boost. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken tenders, honey, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place in a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until smooth. Brush half the mixture over the chicken tenders.
  3. Step 3: Dip each tender into panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, brushing with remaining honey-mustard sauce halfway through.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick sticks. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast alongside chicken for 15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy at edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries 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 Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries?

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 Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries?

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 Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries 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 Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Fries?

American kid friendly 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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