Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders
Crispy whole-wheat breaded chicken tenders with a sweet-tangy honey-mustard glaze, perfect for dipping and packed with protein. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken tenders, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken tenders dry, then coat evenly in 1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add coated chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Whisk together 1 tbsp dijon mustard and 2 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Brush half of the glaze over the cooked tenders.
- Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat, add remaining glaze, and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened. Pour over tenders and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders 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 Honey-Mustard 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 chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Mustard 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 Honey-Mustard 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 Honey-Mustard 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
