Lockbox Chicken Tenders

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

Crispy baked chicken tenders with a tangy honey-mustard glaze, designed for secure, flavorful meals every time. This American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten-free-option), ready in about 40 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 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 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.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: In another shallow dish, whisk 1 large egg with 1 tbsp water until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 cup breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
  5. Step 5: Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then coat in egg mixture, and finally press into breadcrumbs to form an even crust.
  6. Step 6: Arrange coated tenders on the baking sheet, brush with 2 tbsp olive oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Step 7: While chicken bakes, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
  8. Step 8: Remove chicken from oven, brush with honey-mustard glaze, and bake for 2 more minutes until caramelized.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lockbox Chicken Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Lockbox 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 Lockbox 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 Lockbox 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.

Is Lockbox Chicken Tenders 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.

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