Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

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

Tender chicken strips coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection and paired with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 33 minutes blends all-purpose flour, large, beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish.
  2. Step 2: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a separate shallow bowl and 2 beaten large eggs in another. Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Step 3: Arrange coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray each tender with olive oil spray to encourage crisping.
  4. Step 4: Bake tenders for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth to make the honey mustard sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the warm chicken tenders with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce?

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 Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce 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 Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce?

American chicken 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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