Name: Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders | Chicken Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders; ½ cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; ½ cup flour; Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking

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These crispy mustard chicken tenders take the crown when you’re craving comfort food with a little twist. I grew up thinking chicken tenders only came in a cardboard box from the freezer aisle, but these homemade ones changed my mind fast. With a tangy mustard coating and a crunchy golden shell, they’re a little messy to make but absolutely worth it. The best part? They’re versatile. Bake them in the oven when you want something lighter or fry them up when you’re leaning into full-on indulgence. They’re great for a quick dinner, a weekend game snack, or that random Wednesday when cooking feels like a chore. Trust me, once you’ve had these, plain chicken strips will never measure up again. This recipe falls into the kind of chicken recipes I keep on repeat. It has everything you’d want: the crunch you can hear across the table, the mustard kick that cuts through the richness, and that undeniable comfort factor. And because I know you’ll ask—yes, they reheat well, but honestly, good luck having any leftovers after the first round.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
6) Making Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Crispy mustard chicken tenders bring together crunch, flavor, and comfort in one meal. They taste bold, thanks to mustard, and stay juicy inside. Whether baked in the oven or fried on the stove, they work for dinner, game day, or quick snacks. They’re proof that chicken recipes don’t have to be boring.

These tenders remind us that simple ingredients make the best meals. A mix of Dijon mustard, honey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan makes every bite layered with flavor. They’re golden and crisp on the outside, yet tender in the middle. It’s a recipe that never disappoints.

With easy prep and flexible cooking options, this recipe works for families, students, and busy cooks alike. Once you try them, plain chicken strips just won’t cut it anymore.

2) Easy Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones you can throw together with what’s already in your kitchen. These chicken tenders fall into that category. Mustard and honey form the base flavor, breadcrumbs add crunch, and the chicken cooks fast. That’s why I keep this recipe on repeat at home.

I like that it doesn’t require fancy tools. A few bowls, a baking sheet, or a skillet are enough. The coating sticks well and bakes up into a golden crust. For frying, the oil gives them that satisfying crunch you hear when you bite in. This is one of those chicken recipes that work for both weeknights and weekends.

If you’ve got kids, you’ll know the struggle of finding food that’s both easy and appealing. These tenders check that box. Even picky eaters find it hard to resist the crispy shell and tangy flavor. It’s comfort food with just the right twist.

3) Ingredients for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: Use fresh or store-bought tenders. They cook fast and stay juicy. If you can’t find tenders, slice chicken breasts into strips.

Dijon Mustard: The star of this recipe. Its tangy bite cuts through the richness of the chicken. Paired with honey, it adds balance.

Honey: A touch of sweetness that makes the mustard shine. It also helps the breadcrumbs stick.

Panko Breadcrumbs: They give the chicken that crisp finish. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko adds more crunch.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and nutty flavor. It mixes well with the breadcrumbs for extra depth.

Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper round out the flavor. They give each bite warmth and seasoning.

Eggs and Flour: These create the base for the coating. Flour first, eggs next, then mustard mix, and finally breadcrumbs. The layers lock in flavor.

Oil or Spray: For frying, use neutral oil. For baking, cooking spray works fine. Both deliver crispy results.

4) How to Make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to set the flavor base.

Step 2. In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard with honey until smooth. This makes the coating tangy and sweet.

Step 3. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until blended.

Step 4. Set up a coating station. One bowl of flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5. Dip chicken strips in flour, then eggs, then mustard mix, and last into breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs on so they stick.

Step 6. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place coated tenders on a greased sheet, spray lightly, and bake 18 to 20 minutes. Flip once halfway.

Step 7. To fry, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.

Step 8. Rest the chicken a few minutes before serving. Pair with dipping sauce for best results.

5) Tips for Making Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Double-coat if you want an extra crisp finish. Dip once, then repeat the mustard and breadcrumb step. It adds crunch that doesn’t fade.

If baking, don’t crowd the pan. Give each tender space. Air around the chicken helps the coating stay crisp. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

When frying, keep the oil hot but not smoking. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the coating soaks up oil. Medium heat usually works best.

6) Making Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it chilled on a tray. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to cook. This saves prep time later.

If you want to cook fully ahead, bake or fry the tenders, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They’ll keep their crunch better this way.

These chicken recipes are flexible. That’s why I often prep in the morning, then finish them in the evening. They taste nearly as good reheated as they do fresh.

7) Storing Leftover Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Leftovers last in the fridge for 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven so they crisp back up. Avoid microwaving, since it softens the crust.

If freezing, place the tenders on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags. They last 2 months frozen. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Whether baked or fried, these tenders hold up well with the right storage. That’s why they’ve become a staple in my weekly rotation of chicken recipes.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders