Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe That Sizzles

Tucking into these crispy baked cheddar dijon chicken tenders makes dinner feel like a gourmet adventure.

Cheesy and tangy notes dance across each golden-edged morsel, promising intense flavor in every bite.

Sharp cheddar combines with zesty dijon mustard, creating a coating that clings perfectly to tender chicken strips.

Restaurant-quality results emerge straight from your home kitchen without complicated techniques.

Lean protein meets delectable crunch in this simple yet impressive dish.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum satisfaction, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Crunch into these irresistible tenders and savor a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

Why Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Are So Crunchy

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up these chicken tenders in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crunch Factor Perfection: The cheddar cracker coating delivers an irresistible crispy exterior that'll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds, without the mess of deep-frying.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combining honey, Dijon mustard, and cheddar crackers creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both children and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Healthier Comfort Food Hack: Baking instead of frying reduces calories while maintaining maximum crunchiness, proving that healthy eating can be seriously tasty and satisfying.

What You’ll Need For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein perfect for a crispy, satisfying meal. Best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Cheddar Crackers, Flour: Create a crunchy, cheesy exterior. Choose whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

• Dijon Mustard, Honey: Provide tangy and sweet notes to the chicken. Use high-quality Dijon for robust flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind coating and adds subtle richness. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Boost overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

• Honey Mustard, Ranch: Complementary sauces for extra flavor. Homemade versions offer fresher taste.

• Cooking Spray, Parchment Paper: Ensures non-stick surface and easy cleanup. Silicone baking mats work well too.

How To Make Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a wire rack. Give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Crush Those Crackers

Transform your cheddar crackers into a crunchy powder! Toss them into a zip-top bag and go wild with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor. You want fine, sandy-like crumbs. Pour these golden crumbs into a wide, shallow dish.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor Boost

• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

• Dust chicken in flour
• Dive into the Dijon mixture
• Roll and press into the cracker crumbs, ensuring every inch gets a crispy coating

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dressed chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even golden crunchiness. They’re done when the internal temperature hits 165F.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Plate up with extra honey mustard or ranch for dipping. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Smart Tips For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Crispiness: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring every inch of the chicken tenders gets deliciously crisp and golden brown.
• Customize Coating Options: Swap cheddar crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed rice crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust paprika and garlic powder quantities to match your heat preference, making the dish milder or more intense based on personal taste.
• Prevent Dryness: Don't overcook chicken tenders; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and remove from oven precisely at 165F for juicy results.
• Elevate Dipping Sauce: Mix extra honey and Dijon mustard for a homemade sauce that complements the crunchy chicken tenders, adding a tangy and sweet dimension to your meal.

How To Keep Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Quickly reheat in the oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness – microwaving will make the coating soggy.
• Freeze cooled tenders in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their delicious crunch and flavor.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored chicken and discard if there's any unusual odor or texture change.

What Matches With Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Pair Zesty Dips: Create a vibrant honey mustard or tangy ranch dip to complement the crispy chicken tenders. The creamy, cool sauces balance the crunchy, savory coating perfectly.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, bright flavors will cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the cheddar and Dijon flavors. The wine's acidity enhances the chicken's zesty coating.
• Add Roasted Veggie Sides: Garlic-roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots make excellent side dishes. Their caramelized edges and subtle sweetness complement the chicken's crispy texture.

Fun Variations For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Ranch Crunch: Replace Dijon mustard with ranch seasoning mix and add cayenne pepper to the cracker crumbs for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap cheddar crackers with panko breadcrumbs and mix in dried oregano, basil, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Pretzel Parmesan Coating: Use crushed pretzels instead of cheddar crackers and mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, crunchy exterior.
• Coconut Curry Tenders: Incorporate coconut flakes and mild curry powder into the cracker crumbs, creating a tropical-inspired crispy coating with subtle warmth.

Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders FAQ List

• What makes these chicken tenders crispy without deep frying?

The cheddar cracker coating creates a crunchy exterior, and baking at a high temperature of 400F helps develop a golden, crisp texture without excess oil.

• Can I use a different type of cracker for the coating?

Absolutely! Ritz, cheese crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs work great. Just make sure to crush them finely for the best crunch and coverage.

• Is the honey in the recipe necessary?

The honey helps balance the tangy Dijon mustard and creates a subtle sweetness. It also helps the cracker crumbs stick to the chicken and promotes better browning during baking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy on the inside.

Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders elevate weeknight dinners with an irresistible crunch and tangy flavor profile. Crispy golden breading embraces tender chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating and Crumb Base:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (240 grams) cheddar cheese crackers, crushed into fine crumbs

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400F (200C). Create a non-stick surface on a baking sheet using parchment paper or a wire rack, and lightly mist with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transform cheddar crackers into fine, uniform crumbs by crushing them inside a sealed zip-top bag using a rolling pin or quickly pulsing in a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish for easy coating.
3. Craft a flavor-packed marinade by whisking Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Develop a crispy exterior by first dusting chicken tenders with flour, then thoroughly coating them in the prepared mustard mixture. Press each tender into the cracker crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Position the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning and achieving an internal temperature of 165F.
6. Allow the tenders to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps retain moisture. Present with complementary dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for an enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Ensure crackers are finely crushed to create an even, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking.
• Gluten-free option works by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Maximize crispiness by placing chicken on a wire rack during baking, allowing hot air to circulate and prevent soggy bottoms.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg