Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

These Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy crispy, tender chicken. Coated with a tangy honey mustard marinade and crispy cornflake crumbs, they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal any time of the week. You can make them in the air fryer or the oven for convenience, making this recipe super adaptable and easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are packed with flavor from the tangy mustard and sweet honey marinade. The crispy coating made from cornflake crumbs gives a satisfying crunch with each bite. Whether you’re cooking them in the air fryer or oven, the tenders come out juicy and perfectly cooked every time. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and make for a great healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow mustard, Dijon, or brown mustard)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise

For the Coating:

• 1.25 lbs raw boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins (or breasts cut into strips)

• ⅔ cup cornflake crumbs

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder (e.g., Colman’s)

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mustard, honey, and mayonnaise. Stir until fully combined. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day.

2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the cornflake crumbs, dry mustard, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken: Take each honey mustard-coated chicken strip one at a time and press it into the cornflake crumb mixture, flipping it to coat both sides.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Air Fryer: Place the crumb-coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches. Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip the tenders over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through.

   • Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (5.25 oz each)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Marinade Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a little hot sauce to the honey mustard marinade for a spicy kick.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the cornflake crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Add Herbs: Incorporate dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the coating mix for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips to match the size of tenderloins.

2. Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and coat it in the breadcrumbs up to a day ahead of time. Just store the coated tenders in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

3. How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer.

4. Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?

Yes! After cooking, let the tenders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use another type of breading instead of cornflake crumbs?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers as an alternative to cornflake crumbs.

6. Can I make this recipe in the air fryer if I don’t have one?

Yes, you can cook these in the oven instead. Follow the oven instructions to bake them at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.

7. Can I make this recipe with a different type of mustard?

Absolutely! Dijon or brown mustard works great for a slightly different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite mustard type.

8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! You can serve these chicken tenders with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, or even coat some veggie strips in the same honey mustard marinade for a unique twist.

9. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the chicken into the cornflake crumbs firmly, and spray the tenders with cooking spray before cooking to help them adhere and stay crispy.

10. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, you can marinate it up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

These Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with a crispy coating that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking them in the air fryer or the oven, they’re an easy, healthy, and delicious option for dinner. Serve them with your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will love!