If you are craving a dish that combines crispy, cheesy, and zestful all in one bite, this Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken strips coated in a crispy, golden crust of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection and paired with a smooth, tangy honey mustard sauce that adds just the right touch of sweetness and kick. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort with every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this amazing dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding crunch, cheesy richness, or that perfect hint of spice that keeps your palate lively.
- Chicken tenders or chicken breast strips (1 pound): The star protein, tender and quick to cook, perfect for coating and baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): For an irresistibly crispy texture that holds up to baking without losing crunch.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Brings creamy, cheesy richness and melts to bind the crust.
- Eggs, beaten (2): Helps the coating stick perfectly to each tender.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Creates a light base layer to hold the coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory warmth that enhances flavor complexity.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smoky note and beautiful color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sharpness to brighten the dish.
- Cooking spray: Helps achieve that perfect golden crust without excess oil.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The natural sweetener for the honey mustard sauce, providing contrasting flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): Offers tang and a little heat to the dipping sauce.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Brings creaminess and smooth texture to the honey mustard.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect to bake the tenders evenly and develop a golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and lightly spray it with cooking spray to encourage a crispy bottom crust. Getting your oven and pan ready upfront makes the cooking process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Create the Flour Coating
In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour mixture adds subtle flavor right at the base of each chicken tender and gives the panko something to cling to later. Give it a good whisk to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 3: Set Up the Egg Wash and Cheese Crust
In a separate dish, beat the eggs until smooth—the egg wash is what helps our crispy coating truly stick. For the final coating, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese in a third dish. This three-step breading process may remind you of restaurant-style crispy chicken but with the joy of homemade freshness.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture first, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated. Finally, press the chicken into the spicy, cheesy breadcrumb mixture, making sure each strip is fully covered. This coating guarantees every bite bursts with crispy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they crisp up evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help the cheese and breadcrumbs form a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through to brown both sides beautifully. The chicken inside will stay juicy while the outside turns perfectly crispy.
Step 6: Whisk the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken bakes, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise in a small bowl to make the sauce. This blend is smooth, tangy, and sweet—the ideal partner for the savory chicken tenders. Whisk until well combined and ready to dip.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once the chicken tenders come out of the oven, serve them hot alongside the honey mustard sauce. The warmth helps bring out the cheesy flavors inside the crumb crust, while the sauce adds a luscious contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the baked tenders adds a pop of color and a gentle herbal brightness. For an extra touch, you might also consider a light dusting of smoked paprika on top for added aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe with some crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or oven-roasted vegetables. For more indulgence, classic French fries or sweet potato wedges work wonderfully to balance textures and keep the meal comforting but exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these tenders at a party or family dinner, try arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of honey mustard sauce and other dips like ranch or barbecue sauce. You can also skewer the tenders on sticks for fun finger foods or stuff sliders with these cheesy tenders for a delightful twist on sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them covered helps maintain moisture so they stay tender and flavorful when you reheat them.
Freezing
These chicken tenders freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. They will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest texture upon reheating, pop the tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy cheese coating. Gently rewarm the honey mustard sauce separately or serve it chilled.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts sliced into strips work just as well. Just make sure the pieces are all around the same size for even cooking and that you don’t overbake to keep them juicy.
Is the panko breadcrumb coating gluten-free?
Traditional panko contains gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets without losing the crispiness.
Can I prepare the breading steps ahead of time?
You can mix the breadcrumb and cheese mixture in advance, but it’s best to coat the chicken just before baking to keep the coating fresh and crispy. Pre-breading hours ahead might result in soggier tenders.
How spicy is the honey mustard sauce?
The sauce is pleasantly tangy with a mild hint of bite from the Dijon mustard, balanced nicely by the sweetness of honey. You can adjust the ratio to make it sweeter or tangier according to your preferences.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids often love the familiar crispy, cheesy coating paired with sweet honey mustard dip. It’s a great way to introduce more chicken and flavor to picky eaters while keeping the ingredients simple and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about dipping warm, cheesy chicken tenders into a luscious honey mustard sauce, and this Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s easy enough for busy nights yet special enough to impress guests, making it a versatile go-to recipe. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured staple in your kitchen — I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!
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Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are tender chicken strips coated in a crispy blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection and served with a sweet and tangy homemade honey mustard sauce, this dish offers a deliciously balanced flavor perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a seasoned flour coating.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate dish, whisk the eggs until smooth; this will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese: In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure good adhesion.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote crispiness during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping and enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast strips if chicken tenders are unavailable.
- For extra crispiness, ensure to evenly coat the chicken and use cooking spray before baking.
- The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Flip the chicken tenders carefully during baking to avoid losing the coating.
- Adjust the seasoning in flour mixture to your taste preference.
