The aroma of Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders sizzling in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The golden, crunchy coating gives way to juicy chicken, leaving everyone craving just one more bite. Each tender is a delightful explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds, making it hard to resist devouring the entire batch in one sitting.
Growing up, my kitchen was often filled with laughter and the sound of sizzling pans. My mom would whip these tenders up for family gatherings, filling our home with warmth and mouthwatering scents. Now, I make them for every occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Trust me; once you try these Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- The zesty mustard brings a unique flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust, they look as good as they taste!
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main dish alongside your favorite sides.
Ingredients for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on serving size.
- Mustard: Use your favorite type—Dijon adds a nice tang while yellow mustard is milder.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its signature crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs won’t cut it.
- Eggs: You’ll need a couple for the egg wash; this helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile without overpowering it.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.
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) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the boneless chicken breasts into strips. This ensures even cooking and creates perfectly sized tenders for dipping.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and mustard until smooth. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dredge Those Tenders
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture and then coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently so those crumbs stick like they were meant to be best friends.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking tray and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve With Style
Transfer those crispy delights onto plates and serve hot! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—honey mustard or ranch works wonders!
Enjoy your Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders as a crowd-pleasing snack or a fun dinner option that everyone will love!
You Must Know
- Crispy mustard chicken tenders bring a delightful crunch and zesty flavor to your plate.
- This dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Pair it with your favorite dip, and you’re in for a treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in mustard and spices for at least 30 minutes. While they soak up flavor, preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet. Once marinated, coat them with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown for perfectly crispy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the mustards! Honey mustard offers sweetness, while spicy brown adds a kick. You can also toss in some grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover crispy mustard chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F until they’re heated through and regain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones; they create a lighter texture.
- Marinate overnight if time permits; it enhances flavor significantly.
- Always check that your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid sogginess.
Sometimes I whip up these crispy mustard chicken tenders for casual dinners, and my friends can’t get enough of them—it’s always fun to see how quickly they vanish from the table!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders?
To make crispy mustard chicken tenders, gather the following ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch), eggs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and your choice of cooking oil. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and crunchy coating that makes the chicken tenders irresistible. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Ensure all components are fresh for the best taste.
How do I achieve the perfect crispiness in my chicken tenders?
Achieving perfect crispiness in crispy mustard chicken tenders requires a few key techniques. First, coat the chicken pieces in Dijon mustard before dredging them in breadcrumbs. This not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs adhere better. Second, frying or baking at a high temperature ensures they turn golden brown and crispy. If baking, using a wire rack allows air circulation around the tenders, enhancing their crispiness.
Can I make crispy mustard chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare crispy mustard chicken tenders ahead of time. After breading the chicken, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring a delicious outcome when cooked later. For longer storage, consider freezing the breaded tenders and then cooking them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time for optimal results.
What sides pair well with crispy mustard chicken tenders?
Crispy mustard chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides. A fresh garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tenders. Additionally, classic options like French fries or sweet potato fries complement them perfectly. For something lighter, try serving with steamed vegetables or coleslaw. These sides balance out the meal beautifully while satisfying different taste preferences.
Conclusion for Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders :
In summary, crispy mustard chicken tenders are a delightful dish that combines flavor and texture in one bite. With simple ingredients like Dijon mustard and panko breadcrumbs, you can easily replicate this recipe at home. Remember to follow proper techniques for achieving maximum crispiness and consider preparing them ahead of time for convenience. Pair your tender creations with delicious sides to round out your meal experience. Enjoy this easy recipe any night of the week!
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders
Crispy Mustard Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering delight that combines a crunchy panko coating with the tangy zing of Dijon mustard. Baked to golden perfection, these tenders make for an irresistible snack or main dish, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. Serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs and Dijon mustard until smooth. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated strips on the prepared baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken tenders (150g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate chicken strips in Dijon mustard for at least 30 minutes before breading. - Experiment with different types of mustard or add spices like paprika for extra kick. - To ensure maximum crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking tray during baking.
