Juicy Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip Recipe

Crispy baked chicken tenders dance between crunchy perfection and juicy tenderness, promising a meal that breaks free from typical fried expectations.

Coating these protein-packed morsels requires smart techniques and minimal ingredients.

mustard dip adds a zesty companion that complements the golden-brown exterior.

Simple pantry staples become your secret weapons for crafting restaurant-quality chicken.

Breadcrumbs deliver that satisfying crunch without excess oil or heavy calories.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of textures that keep you coming back for more.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that transforms weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

What’s In Crispy Chicken Tenders With Dip

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich base for the crispy baked dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a dry base for egg and breadcrumb coating.
• Eggs: Binding agent to help breading stick to chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, light texture for coating.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the breading.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste of the chicken.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve golden brown and crispy exterior.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Whole Grain Mustard, Honey: Creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dipping sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for added color and fresh herb flavor.

Making Crispy Chicken Tenders Step By Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Grab your chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels.

If using chicken breasts, slice them into finger-sized strips.

Step 3: Create the Flour Dredging Station

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Mix the Crispy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until all spices are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip through the stations:

First, roll in the seasoned flour

Next, dunk in the egg wash

Finally, coat generously with the panko mixture

Press the coating firmly to ensure it sticks well.

Step 7: Arrange for Baking

Place the coated chicken strips on the wire rack.

Lightly spritz the tops with olive oil to help them turn golden and crisp.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping midway.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 9: Whip Up the Mustard Dip

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Whole grain mustard
• Honey

Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the hot, crispy chicken to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with the chilled mustard sauce on the side.

Tips For Perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Press panko coating firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy layer that locks in moisture and delivers extra texture.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring every side of the chicken tenders gets crisp and golden.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey or thin slices of pork tenderloin while keeping the same delicious seasoned coating.
• Adjust paprika and black pepper quantities to make the recipe milder for kids or spicier for adults who love bold flavors.
• Replace wheat flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising taste or crunch.

Reheating Crispy Chicken Tenders Right

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place tenders in air fryer basket at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore crispiness.

Dipping And Pairing Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Pair Wine with Crispy Texture: Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisp, zesty white wine that cuts through the chicken's richness and complements the herb notes perfectly.
• Match Beverage Refreshment: Craft wheat beer provides a light, bubbly counterpoint to the crunchy chicken tenders, cleansing the palate with each sip.
• Enhance Dip Flavor Harmony: Hard apple cider brings a subtle sweetness that bridges the tangy mustard dip and the golden-brown chicken, creating a delightful flavor connection.
• Boost Side Dish Complement: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the crispy, seasoned chicken tenders.

Ways To Change Up Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free panko for coating to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for low-carb breading. Use full-fat mayo and omit honey in the dip to maintain ketogenic macros.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add cayenne pepper and ground cumin to the panko mixture. Incorporate chipotle powder in the mustard dip for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Cook chicken tenders in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. Maintain same breading technique for crispy exterior and juicy interior.

FAQs

• Why use a wire rack when baking chicken tenders?

The wire rack helps air circulate around the chicken, ensuring all sides get crispy and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy, which creates an even, golden-brown coating.

• Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko creates a lighter, crunchier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will be denser and less crispy, so panko is recommended for the best results.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Is it necessary to spray olive oil on the tenders?

Lightly spraying olive oil helps the panko coating become extra crispy and golden brown. It also prevents the chicken from drying out during baking, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

Crispy Chicken Tenders You’ll Love

• Create restaurant-quality chicken tenders without deep frying, achieving a golden, crunchy exterior with minimal oil.
• Easily swap spices in the panko coating to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
• Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying and familiar.
• Baking instead of frying reduces calories while maintaining incredible texture, letting you enjoy a guilt-free version of a beloved comfort food.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy baked chicken tenders with creamy mustard dip blend golden crunchiness with tangy comfort. Succulent chicken meets zesty sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing and Optional Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a scorching 425°F and strategically position a wire rack atop a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
2. Thoroughly eliminate moisture from chicken using paper towels, transforming breasts into uniform 1-inch strips if necessary.
3. Craft three distinct seasoning stations: the first holding seasoned flour, the second containing whisked eggs, and the third housing a robust panko mixture enriched with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Execute a precise coating technique by first rolling chicken in flour, ensuring a delicate powdery layer, then immersing in egg wash, and finally enrobing with the aromatic panko blend.
5. Apply gentle pressure while coating to guarantee maximum crispy adherence to each tender.
6. Arrange coated chicken on the prepared wire rack, then delicately mist the surface with olive oil to enhance golden browning.
7. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, performing a midway flip to ensure uniform crispiness and achieving an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Simultaneously, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey to create a tangy, creamy dipping sauce.
9. Refrigerate the mustard sauce to allow flavors to meld while chicken bakes.
10. Upon completion, garnish with fresh parsley and serve the crispy tenders alongside the chilled mustard dip.

Notes

• Select chicken tenders for more consistent size and easier coating, ensuring even cooking and crispy texture.
• Crush panko breadcrumbs slightly to create a more compact, crunchier exterior that adheres better to chicken.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to prevent soggy breading and promote maximum crispiness.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, creating an evenly crisp coating without excess oil pooling.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing garlic and onion powder to suit personal taste preferences.
• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg