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- 1 pound of fresh chicken breasts, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken? Try these crispy baked chicken tenders! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party snack, they are simple to make and popular with both kids and adults. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, these tenders are sure to impress. Pair them with a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce for the ultimate treat. Embrace the joy of cooking and delight your family with this easy recipe!

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

½ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat the Oven:

        - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also place a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispiness.

          Prepare the Breading:

            - In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

              Bread the Chicken:

                - Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat. Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.

                  Bake the Tenders:

                    - Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even baking.

                      Prepare the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

                        - While the chicken is baking, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste, if needed.

                          Serve:

                            - Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side.

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                                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 servings