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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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