If you’re on the hunt for a dish that satisfies cravings with every bite, look no further than Mustard Chicken Tenders. These juicy tenders are coated with a zesty, honey-mustard marinade, roasted until golden, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Each piece is bursting with flavor, making this weeknight favorite feel special enough for guests yet simple enough to whip up after a long day. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or piling them onto a hearty salad, Mustard Chicken Tenders deliver the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mustard Chicken Tenders lies in its fuss-free ingredient list. Every single item brings bold flavor, gorgeous color, or a lush texture to the table. Grab a few pantry staples and you’re already halfway to a truly irresistible meal.
- Chicken Tenders (1.5 lbs): Choose quality, fresh tenders for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
- Dijon Mustard (1/4 cup): This provides a smooth, tangy kick that binds all the flavors together.
- Whole Grain Mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds bursts of texture plus an earthy sharpness every bite craves.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Just a touch of sweetness balances out the bold, spicy notes.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps keep the chicken moist and gives a beautiful, golden finish during baking.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A hint of pungent depth comes from fresh garlic—don’t skip it!
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For color, subtle warmth, and an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the savory goodness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little bit of spice brightens everything right up.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of freshness and makes the final dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Mustard Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure the Mustard Chicken Tenders won’t stick, and the clean-up will be a breeze. This high heat is the secret to that gorgeous, golden exterior!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Marinade
In your largest mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until the mixture is creamy and smooth—the aroma alone will have your mouth watering at this point!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Add all the chicken tenders to the bowl with the marinade. Use tongs or your hands to thoroughly toss them, making sure every piece is evenly coated in that tangy-sweet sauce. The more marinade coverage, the more flavorful your Mustard Chicken Tenders will be.
Step 4: Arrange & Bake
Lay the marinated tenders out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures even cooking for every tender. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through for an even, caramelized finish. You’ll know they’re ready when they hit an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and boast a lovely golden brown color.
Step 5: Rest & Garnish
Once baked, let your Mustard Chicken Tenders rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for succulence in each bite. Just before serving, sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
How to Serve Mustard Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A shower of bright, chopped parsley brings color and a touch of fresh flavor to your plate. For added flair, you can zest a bit of lemon or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top—this extra touch makes your Mustard Chicken Tenders Instagram-worthy and irresistible.
Side Dishes
Mustard Chicken Tenders love a good sidekick! Pair them with roasted vegetables, a colorful mixed salad, or a bowl of fluffy white rice for a complete meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or crisp sweet potato fries are also fantastic for soaking up those savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
These tenders aren’t just main course material! Slice them and scatter over a big salad for a protein-packed lunch, tuck them into a warm sandwich with greens and pickles, or skewer them with cherry tomatoes for a fun party platter. Mustard Chicken Tenders are as versatile as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Mustard Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re just as tasty the next day and make for a speedy lunch or reinvention in wraps or salads.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch? Freeze the cooked, cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Mustard Chicken Tenders keep well for up to two months—perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.
Reheating
Revive your tenders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The oven keeps the outside slightly crisp, while the inside stays juicy. In a pinch, the microwave works too; just place a damp paper towel over the chicken to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make Mustard Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic way to get extra-crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders. Cook them at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and watch them turn golden and delicious.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, both work well! Just cut the breasts or thighs into thick strips and follow the recipe as written. You might need to adjust the cook time slightly, but the results will still be juicy and packed with flavor.
What can I use instead of honey for a different sweetener?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted for honey in Mustard Chicken Tenders. Both add lovely sweetness and complement the mustards beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients in Mustard Chicken Tenders are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe and satisfying option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your mustards and spices to make sure there are no hidden additives.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely! Letting the chicken soak in the mustard marinade overnight in the fridge gives the flavors extra time to mingle and deepens the taste of your Mustard Chicken Tenders even more. Just be sure to keep them covered and chilled.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the craveable flavors and foolproof ease of these Mustard Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re serving them hot from the oven for family dinner or stashing leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, you’ll love how quickly they disappear. Give them a try—you just might discover your new go-to favorite!
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Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mustard Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of Dijon and whole grain mustard, honey, and garlic creates a delicious marinade for tender chicken tenders, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
Mustard Marinade:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the mustard mixture.
- Bake: Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Great served with roasted vegetables, rice, or over a salad.
- You can also air fry these at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
