Description
Tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful honey mustard marinade and baked to perfection. This easy, gluten-free recipe offers a balanced blend of tangy Dijon and whole grain mustard with subtle hints of garlic and herbs, delivering a juicy and savory main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Marinade
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain or yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain or yellow mustard, honey (if using), olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor penetration.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Optional broil: For an extra golden and slightly crispy finish, broil the chicken tenders for an additional 1–2 minutes under the oven’s broiler, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, salads, or dipping sauces like extra mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, over a fresh salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce such as extra mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- For a crispy exterior, coat the tenders in seasoned breadcrumbs after marinating before baking.
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent texture changes.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; however, adding breadcrumbs will add gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
