This recipe provides instructions for making incredibly crispy and flavorful baked parmesan chicken tenders, paired with a classic homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. These chicken tenders offer a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts without sacrificing any of the satisfying crunch or delicious taste. The chicken is coated in a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, which creates a beautifully golden and crispy crust when baked. The chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside, making each bite a delightful experience. Served alongside a tangy and sweet honey mustard dip, these chicken tenders are perfect as a family-friendly meal, a tasty appetizer, or a satisfying snack. The combination of savory, cheesy chicken with the sweet and zesty dip is a classic pairing that is sure to please.
The key to achieving the crispy texture in these baked chicken tenders lies in the use of panko breadcrumbs. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is coarser and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a much crispier coating when baked or fried. The addition of finely grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture not only enhances the flavor with its salty and nutty notes but also contributes to the crust’s golden-brown color and crispiness. The seasoning blend, typically including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs like Italian seasoning or thyme, salt, and pepper, adds a savory and aromatic dimension to the chicken.
The chicken itself is usually chicken breast, cut into tender strips. It’s often recommended to pat the chicken dry before coating to help the breadcrumbs adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness. The coating process involves dredging the chicken tenders in the seasoned panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Baking the chicken tenders on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet is another crucial step for achieving crispiness. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and promoting even browning and crisping on all sides.
The honey mustard dipping sauce is a simple yet flavorful accompaniment that perfectly complements the savory chicken. It’s typically made with a base of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard for its tangy and slightly sharp flavor, honey for sweetness, and sometimes a touch of lemon juice or vinegar for extra brightness. The proportions of honey and mustard can be adjusted to suit individual preferences for sweetness and tanginess. A pinch of salt and pepper is usually added to balance the flavors. Some variations may include a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs for added complexity.
These Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to fried chicken tenders. They are relatively easy to prepare and are a hit with both kids and adults. The crispy, cheesy coating and the flavorful dipping sauce make them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. The image shows several golden-brown and crispy chicken tenders arranged on a white plate. Some of the tenders have been broken open, revealing the white, cooked chicken inside. The tenders are sprinkled with green herbs, possibly parsley or chives. Two small metal ramekins filled with a creamy, light brown sauce, likely honey mustard, are also on the plate behind the chicken. The sauce is garnished with chopped green herbs.
The texture of Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders is characterized by a crunchy and golden-brown exterior coating and a juicy, tender chicken interior. The honey mustard dip is smooth and creamy.
The flavor profile is savory and cheesy from the parmesan-crusted chicken, with hints of garlic, onion, and herbs. The honey mustard dip provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint, with the distinct flavors of honey and mustard.
Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip are a healthier baked version of classic chicken tenders, featuring a crunchy parmesan and panko crust, served with a sweet and tangy homemade honey mustard dipping sauce.
The preparation involves coating chicken tenders in a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baking them on a wire rack until crispy, and whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey (with optional lemon juice and seasonings) for the dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
For the Honey Mustard Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Shallow dishes or plates for coating
- Medium mixing bowl (for dip)
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the chicken and help it crisp up.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better.
- Combine Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish or on a plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning (or thyme), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well to all sides.
- Arrange Chicken on Wire Rack: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure there is some space between each tender to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Drizzle with Oil (Optional): For extra crispiness and a golden-brown color, you can lightly drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
- Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken tenders rest on the wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Part 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dip:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings (Optional): If using, add the lemon juice or white vinegar, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the ingredients together until the honey mustard dip is smooth and well combined.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste the dip and adjust the amounts of honey and mustard to your preference. Add more honey for a sweeter dip or more Dijon for a tangier flavor. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, stir in or sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the dip for added flavor and visual appeal.
Part 3: Serve:
- Serve the crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders hot, alongside the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Chicken Thickness: Ensure the chicken tenders are of a uniform thickness for even cooking. If they are very thick, you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: While panko provides the best crispiness, you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch, but the texture may not be as light and airy.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices in the coating to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or other dried herbs like oregano or basil.
- Air Fryer Option: These chicken tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer for an even quicker and crispier result. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the tenders in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the coating mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The chicken tenders can be coated a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator on a plate covered with plastic wrap. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. The honey mustard dip can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these delicious and healthier Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with their classic Honey Mustard Dip! They are a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion.