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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons milk - Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking sheet

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Discover the perfect comfort food with this recipe for Crunchy Golden Baked Chicken Tenders. Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite by baking instead of frying, resulting in a deliciously crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Paired with a zesty honey mustard dipping sauce, these tenders are not only easy to prepare but also a hit for both kids and adults. Enjoy them as a quick meal or as part of a delightful family gathering. Flavorful, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 large eggs

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure the chicken tends to crisp up nicely.

    Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

      Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.

        Beat the Eggs: In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

          Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

            Bake the Tenders: Once all the chicken tenders are coated and on the baking sheet, spray or drizzle them lightly with olive oil. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

              Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the flavor to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness or more mustard for zest.

                Serve: Once the chicken tenders are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with the honey mustard sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4