Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders: A Crunchy Delight

The crispy mustard chicken tenders are a delightful combination of crunch and tang that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Picture the golden-brown crust giving way to succulent, juicy chicken underneath, all kissed by the zesty embrace of mustard. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing you as you anticipate that first bite.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip these up as our special Friday night treat. We’d gather around the table, laughter mingling with the sizzling sounds from the oven. These tenders became synonymous with family time and memorable moments. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners, they promise an explosion of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 1 pound of chicken breasts cut into strips for easy frying.

• Mustard: Choose your favorite type—yellow, Dijon, or whole grain work great for that zesty kick.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give extra crunch and texture to your tenders.

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth and enhances the flavor of the chicken.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.

• Eggs: Used for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken; one or two should do nicely.

For the Sauce:

• Honey: Balances out the mustard’s tanginess with a touch of sweetness; use raw honey if possible for better flavor.

• Hot Sauce: Optional but recommended! A few drops can add a delightful kick to your sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken

Cut your boneless chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide. In a bowl, whisk together eggs until they’re nice and frothy.

Step 3: Mix Your Coating

In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add extra spices if you’re feeling adventurous—Italian seasoning works wonders!

Step 4: Coat Your Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture first then coat them generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered; we want maximum crunch here!

Step 5: Bake Your Tenders

Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Whip Up Your Sauce

While the tenders are baking, mix together mustard and honey in a small bowl. If you like it spicy, throw in a few drops of hot sauce to jazz things up!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve them hot alongside celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results with your crispy mustard chicken tenders, start by marinating the chicken. While that works its magic, prepare your breading station. Next, pan-fry or bake the tenders until golden brown and crispy, ensuring they are cooked through.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your crispy mustard chicken tenders! Swap Dijon for honey mustard, add a sprinkle of paprika for smokiness, or toss in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover crispy mustard chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F until heated through to maintain their crispiness.

I remember the first time I made these crispy mustard chicken tenders for my friends’ game night; they devoured every last piece and begged for the recipe! It’s always a hit at gatherings, creating delicious memories.

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?

To make crispy mustard chicken tenders, you will need chicken breast fillets, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs (preferably panko), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cooking oil. The Dijon mustard serves as a flavorful marinade that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Make sure to use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or paprika for additional flavor.

How long does it take to prepare Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?

Preparation time for crispy mustard chicken tenders typically takes about 15 minutes. This includes marinating the chicken in Dijon mustard and coating it with breadcrumbs. Cooking time is around 20 minutes if baking at 400°F (200°C) or frying until golden brown. Overall, you can have these delicious tenders ready in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Can I make Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make crispy mustard chicken tenders gluten-free by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Options like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour work well. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. The cooking method remains the same, so you can still enjoy this tasty dish without any gluten-related concerns.

What can I serve with Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?

Crispy mustard chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or seasoned fries for a complete meal. You can also dip these tenders in sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce for added flavor. They make great appetizers too! Feel free to get creative with your side choices.

Conclusion for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders :

Crispy mustard chicken tenders offer a delightful combination of flavor and crunch that everyone will love. By using simple ingredients like Dijon mustard and panko breadcrumbs, you create a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressively tasty. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these tenders make a great meal or snack option. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes to enhance your dining experience! Enjoy your homemade crispy mustard chicken tenders today!

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Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders

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Crispy mustard chicken tenders are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines a crunchy, golden crust with tender, juicy chicken. Coated in zesty Dijon mustard and crispy panko breadcrumbs, these tenders are perfect for family dinners or game nights. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they promise to delight everyone at the table. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs (for binding)
• 2 tablespoons honey (for sauce)
• few drops of hot sauce (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. For the sauce, combine honey and mustard in a small bowl; add hot sauce if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tenders (120g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Dijon mustard before breading. - Feel free to substitute Dijon with honey mustard or add spices like paprika for variation. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.