Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-06-30

Tender chicken strips lightly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a tangy honey mustard sauce perfect for kids and adults alike. This American kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs chicken tenders, salt, and black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this chicken with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb chicken tenders and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken tenders warm alongside the honey mustard dipping sauce for dipping.