Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
Tender chicken strips coated in a crispy parmesan and breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This chicken-inspired chicken ready in about 33 minutes blends pound chicken tenders, grated Parmesan cheese, 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- as needed olive oil spray
- Dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, mixing well to create the coating.
- Step 2: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. Pat dry and lightly season 1 pound chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil spray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: While the chicken bakes, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth to make the honey mustard dip.
- Step 6: Serve the hot Parmesan chicken tenders with the honey mustard dipping sauce alongside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip 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 Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip?
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 Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip?
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 Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip 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 Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip?
Chicken 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.
