Fun-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze
Mini chicken tenders coated in a zesty citrus glaze that's perfect for playful, bite-sized eating. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free-option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Cook chicken tenders in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Whisk 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp dijon mustard in a small bowl. Pour over cooked tenders in the skillet, stirring constantly until glaze thickens and coats the tenders, about 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fun-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze?
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 Fun-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze?
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-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze 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.
Is Fun-Size Chicken Tenders with 'Fun' Citrus Glaze gluten-free-option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free-option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
