Description
These crispy baked honey mustard chicken tenders are a healthier, faster alternative to takeout. Using panko breadcrumbs and a wire rack ensures a shatteringly crisp exterior, while a tangy-sweet glaze adds flavor without the grease.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Cooking spray
- Optional: ½ teaspoon sriracha or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch wide strips, trimming thick ends for uniform size. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with half the seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with remaining seasonings.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg wash, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs. Place on a clean plate.
- Arrange tenders on the wire rack, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip tenders, spray tops lightly with oil or cooking spray, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken bakes, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, and optional spices to make the glaze.
- Remove chicken from oven. Brush generously with glaze.
- Broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until sauce bubbles and caramelizes slightly.
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving immediately with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
Do not skip the wire rack; it prevents the bottom from getting soggy by allowing air circulation. Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere. Watch the broiler closely as honey can burn quickly. For leftovers, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken tenders, honey mustard chicken, baked chicken, healthy dinner, weeknight meals, panko chicken, crispy chicken, better than takeout