Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet Honey-Mustard Dip

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

Juicy chicken tenders pan-seared to golden perfection served with a tangy and sweet honey-mustard dipping sauce, perfect for kid-friendly meals or snacks. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes blends Chicken tenders, Olive oil, Salt 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 250 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb chicken tenders evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken tenders and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before serving with the honey-mustard dip on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet Honey-Mustard Dip take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders with Sweet Honey-Mustard Dip?

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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