Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard: Your Go-To Healthy Comfort Food

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There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a crispy chicken tender — the crunch, the juicy interior, the burst of flavor. But traditional fried chicken tenders often come with unwanted guilt: excessive oil, calories, and mess. What if you could enjoy that same crispy delight without compromising your health or spending hours in the kitchen? You absolutely can, and that’s where crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard come into play.

This recipe offers the perfect harmony of crunchy, tender, and tangy flavors, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a kid-approved snack, or a healthier alternative to fried chicken, these tenders deliver on every front. You’ll also discover an irresistible honey mustard dipping sauce that perfectly complements the savory crunch.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these crispy baked chicken tenders your next favorite meal.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

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Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Before you start chopping and mixing, here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Healthy and Delicious: Baking instead of frying cuts down on oil and calories while still giving you that crave-worthy crunch.
• Kid-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with picky eaters thanks to their familiar texture and mild yet flavorful seasoning.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need in your pantry already, making this a fuss-free recipe.
• Quick Prep and Cook Time: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Adjust the spices, swap the herbs, or try different dipping sauces — it’s all customizable.

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Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

A great dish begins with great ingredients. Here’s a clear, organized list so you can shop smart and prep efficiently.

For the Chicken and Coating

Ingredient	Amount	Why It Matters
Boneless chicken tenders	2 pounds	Tender, quick-cooking protein
Buttermilk	1 cup	Helps tenderize and flavor chicken
Finely crushed corn flakes	2 cups	Creates the crispy coating
Whole wheat or all-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	Binds coating and adds texture
Dried chives	1 tablespoon	Adds mild oniony flavor
Dried parsley	1 tablespoon	Herbal freshness
Dried dill	2 teaspoons	Unique herby note
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon	Deepens savory taste
Onion powder	1 teaspoon	Adds sweetness and umami
Cayenne pepper or chipotle powder	1 teaspoon	Adds adjustable heat
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances overall flavor
Black pepper	½ teaspoon	Adds subtle spice
Extra virgin olive oil	For brushing	Keeps tenders moist and golden

For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Ingredient	Amount	Why It’s Important
Dijon mustard	¼ cup	Sharp, tangy base
Honey	¼ cup	Natural sweetness balances flavors
Extra virgin olive oil	¼ cup	Smooth texture and richness
Juice of ½ lemon	Freshly squeezed	Bright acidity
Cayenne pepper	¼ teaspoon	Mild heat
Kosher salt and black pepper	To taste	Seasoning

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Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, here’s how to bring them together for maximum crunch and flavor.

1. Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness and Flavor

Place your chicken tenders in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them, seal the bag, and shake to coat each piece evenly. The buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick better later on.

• Pro Tip: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 8 hours to intensify the tenderness and flavor. If short on time, even 15 minutes at room temperature will help.

2. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.

3. Create the Crispy Coating Mix

In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flakes, flour, dried chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the herbs and spices are evenly distributed.

• Why corn flakes? They offer a crunchier, more flavorful coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

4. Dredge the Chicken

Remove the tenders from the buttermilk one at a time, letting excess drip off, then press each piece firmly into the crumb mixture. This pressing step ensures the coating sticks well and creates a crisp crust once baked.

Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t touch. Crowding the pan traps steam and results in soggy coating.

5. Brush with Olive Oil and Bake

Lightly brush or drizzle the tenders with extra virgin olive oil. This is crucial for helping the coating brown and crisp up without frying.

Bake the chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through if you want even browning. The tenders are done when the coating is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Whip Up the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

While your chicken bakes, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small jar or bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and emulsified.

• Tip: Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity to your preference by adding more honey or lemon juice.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once baked, arrange the chicken tenders on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley and a pinch of flaky salt for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve immediately with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Why This Recipe Hits the Mark: Health, Flavor, and Family-Friendly Appeal

You might be wondering, “What makes these chicken tenders so special?” Here’s the lowdown:

• Baking Over Frying: Baking reduces fat content dramatically while still delivering the crispy texture you crave. Olive oil adds healthy fats and moisture without the heaviness of deep-frying.
• Buttermilk Magic: The acidity in buttermilk gently breaks down proteins, making your chicken tender and juicy.
• Flavor Layering: The blend of dried herbs and spices creates a complex, savory flavor profile that keeps each bite exciting.
• Crunch Factor: The crushed corn flakes coating is the real game-changer, adding satisfying texture that stands up to dipping.
• Family Friendly: Mild spice with the option to customize means everyone—from toddlers to adults—can enjoy these tenders.

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Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Follow these insights to elevate your cooking and avoid common pitfalls:

• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: This step is crucial for juicy chicken and better coating adhesion.
• Crush Corn Flakes Finely: Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for the best texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give tenders room on the pan for air to circulate — this keeps the coating crisp.
• Use a Thermometer: Check the internal temperature to ensure your chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
• Rest Briefly Before Serving: Let the tenders sit for 3-5 minutes after baking for juices to redistribute.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can, but buttermilk’s acidity is key for tenderizing. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the flour and corn flakes with gluten-free versions. Many brands offer gluten-free corn flakes, and you can use rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Yes! Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to 8 hours in the fridge. Coat and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What’s a good alternative to honey in the dipping sauce?

Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as natural sweeteners and provide a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mildly spicy by default. You can reduce or omit the cayenne for a kid-friendly version, or increase it for more heat.

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Final Thoughts: Your Next Meal Just Got an Upgrade

With this recipe in your arsenal, you’re set to transform ordinary chicken tenders into a healthier, tastier, and more satisfying meal. The combination of crispy baked coating, tender juicy chicken, and the sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce creates a meal that’s sure to please every palate at your table.

Why settle for greasy fried when you can enjoy guilt-free, homemade goodness that’s just as crispy and flavorful? Grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to savor every crunchy bite.

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Ready to try this recipe?

Let me know how your crispy baked chicken tenders with honey mustard turn out! Share your photos, tips, or favorite tweaks in the comments below — or tag me on social media. Cooking is more fun when you share it.

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