Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Enjoy a quick and easy weeknight meal with these honey mustard chicken tenders that are sweet, tangy, and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard Gives texture and milder heat than Dijon.
- 2 tablespoons honey Use runny honey for easier mixing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon jarred garlic.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika adds depth.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders Or small strips of boneless, skinless chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the whole-grain mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Add the chicken tenders and toss until every piece is nicely coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high.
- For baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tenders in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway, until the exterior is golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- For grilling: Oil the grill grates and grill tenders for 4–5 minutes per side, until grill marks form and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Let tenders rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking. Serve warm.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning. For a glossier finish, brush an extra tablespoon of honey over the tenders in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.