Fun & Games Chicken Tenders

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked chicken tenders with a tangy honey-lime dipping sauce, ideal for family meals and game day. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 33 minutes pairs pound chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere evenly to all sides, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping the tenders carefully at the 10-minute mark, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: While the chicken bakes, whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then serve immediately with the honey-lime dipping sauce for a tangy, crowd-pleasing finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fun & Games Chicken Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Fun & Games Chicken Tenders?

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 pound chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fun & Games Chicken Tenders?

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 Fun & Games Chicken Tenders 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 Fun & Games Chicken Tenders?

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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