Baked Chicken Tenders come out golden and crisp on the outside, tender inside, and even better with the straightforward honey mustard sauce!
author’s note
My Go-To Chicken Tenders!
Chicken tenders are one of those meals everyone agrees on in my house. I make them at least once a week because my kids love them so much. Sometimes I grab store-bought and toss them into a reliable salad or wraps, but most of the time I make them from scratch and this is the recipe I always come back to.
The outside gets golden and crisp, the inside stays juicy, and the flavor is so good. And if that wasn’t enough, the honey mustard dipping sauce takes these baked chicken tenders over the top. It’s all just so good!
Ingredients In Baked Chicken Tenders
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloins | Trim off the tendon. You can grab the tip with pliers, then slide it between the tines of a fork while holding the fork against the chicken to pull it out easily. You can also slice chicken breasts into strips. |
| Buttermilk | Totally skippable, but helps tenderize and add flavor to the chicken. |
| Mayo, egg & Dijon mustard | This mix helps the coating stick and adds loads of flavor to every bite. |
| Panko, flour & cornmeal | Panko gives crunch, flour helps it stick, and cornmeal adds a little extra crisp texture and flavor to these Baked Chicken Tenders. |
| Honey, mustard, lemon juice & BBQ sauce | My simple recipe for a sweet, tangy sauce. Adjust to taste if you like it sweeter or more tangy. |
Featured Comment
“These are genuinely the best chicken tenders I’ve made! They make for a great chicken burger!”
– Hamish
What To Serve With Baked Chicken Tenders
- Simple salads: A garden salad, Caesar salad, or a quick cucumber salad.
- Roasted veggies: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Fries or potatoes: Baked fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes are always a hit!
- Fruit on the side: Fresh fruit like watermelon, berries, or a full-on fruit salad
- Mac & cheese: If you want something extra comforting on the side, nothing beats my quick one-pot mac!
the cook’s Top Tips
The Secrets To The Crispiest Baked Chicken Tenders?
Once they’re battered and breaded, spray them well with cooking spray. This is the key to that golden, crisp finish.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or basket. Give each tender space so they crisp up instead of steam.
Storage
These are best right out of the oven or air fryer while the coating is crisp and fresh.
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