Quick Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

Golden chicken tenders with a crispy cheddar dijon coating promise a mouthwatering adventure for dinner tonight.

These tender morsels blend sharp cheddar and tangy dijon mustard into an irresistible crust.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and juicy chicken inside.

The golden-brown tenders shine with a rich, cheesy flavor that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks love how simple yet impressive these chicken tenders are to prepare.

You’ll want to serve these immediately, straight from the oven, for maximum flavor and crunch.

What Goes Into Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Ritz Crackers: Cheesy base that provides a delightful crunch and extra flavor complexity, choose fresh, crisp crackers for maximum texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crucial first layer for coating, ensuring the mustard mixture and crumbs adhere perfectly to chicken.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy sophistication and helps crumbs stick to chicken, select a robust, high-quality brand for deeper flavor.
• Honey: Balances mustard's sharpness and promotes beautiful golden browning, opt for pure, local honey for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind ingredients and promote crispy exterior, choose extra virgin for richer taste.

• Garlic Powder: Introduces depth and aromatic warmth without raw garlic's intensity, select fresh, fragrant powder.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color, Hungarian paprika provides most authentic flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum potency.
• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, uniform-sized tenders for consistent cooking.

Kitchen Gear For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Baking Sheet: Essential for cooking chicken tenders evenly and catching drips.
• Parchment Paper or Wire Rack: Helps achieve extra crispy texture and prevents sticking.
• Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for crushing crackers without making a mess.
• Rolling Pin: Ideal for crushing crackers into fine crumbs.
• Food Processor: Alternative method for creating cracker crumbs quickly.
• Small Bowls: Needed for mixing mustard coating and preparing cracker crumbs.
• Whisk: Great for blending Dijon mustard mixture smoothly.
• Shallow Dish: Helps coat chicken tenders with cracker crumbs evenly.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures tenders don't stick and adds light crispiness.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken tenders during baking.

Steps To Make Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Blast the Oven

Fire up your oven to a sizzling 400F and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper or a wire rack. Give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Crunch Those Crackers

Pulverize cheddar crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor. Transform them into a golden, crispy coating that’ll make your chicken irresistible.

• Mix the Magic Sauce

Whip up a flavor-packed blend of Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and spices. This sauce will be your secret weapon for creating mouthwatering chicken tenders.

• Dress the Chicken

Dunk chicken tenders in flour, then bathe them in the Dijon mixture. Roll them generously in the cracker crumbs, ensuring every inch is covered with crispy goodness.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tenders into the hot oven. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping midway. Wait until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Dig In

Let the tenders rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Helpful Tips For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Cracker Crumb Crunch: Crush crackers thoroughly to ensure an even, crispy coating that sticks perfectly to chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cajun seasoning or herbs de Provence to create unique flavor profiles that'll keep your taste buds excited.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breaded chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Try this coating method with turkey strips, fish fillets, or even tofu for a versatile recipe that works with multiple protein sources.

Tasty Ways To Serve Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these golden chicken tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls scattered around for a fun, interactive meal that guests will love.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light honey mustard vinaigrette to balance the crunchy chicken and add freshness to the plate.
• Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack these tenders in a cooler with some fresh cut vegetables and a small container of dipping sauce for an easy outdoor lunch that travels well.
• Weekend Game Day Champion: Pair with homemade coleslaw and sweet potato fries for a crowd-pleasing spread that will be the star of any sports watching gathering.

Storage Advice For Crispy Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken tenders in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed tenders maintain crispy texture and flavor for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Revive cold tenders by placing them on a wire rack in a preheated 375F oven for 8-10 minutes. This method restores crunchiness and prevents soggy results from microwave heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken tenders stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare an extra batch of tenders during cooking. Portion into grab-and-go containers for quick lunches or protein-packed snacks throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and meal planners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Golden Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheddar Dijon chicken tenders combine tangy mustard with sharp cheddar for a mouthwatering main dish. Crispy breading and bold flavors make these tenders a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb/454 g chicken tenders
• 2 cups/240 g cheddar cheese crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• ½ cup/120 ml all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup/60 ml dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp/15 ml honey
• 1 tbsp/15 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp/5 ml garlic powder
• ½ tsp/2.5 ml smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wire rack, and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Crumb Creation: Pulverize cheddar crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor, transferring to a shallow dish for efficient coating.
3. Flavor Infusion: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until achieving a harmonious, smooth blend.
4. Coating Technique: Dust chicken tenders with flour, thoroughly immerse in mustard mixture, then meticulously press into cracker crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Culinary Transformation: Arrange coated tenders on prepared baking sheet with strategic spacing, roast for 18-22 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee golden-brown perfection and reaching an internal temperature of 165F.
6. Serving Presentation: Rest tenders for 5 minutes post-baking to preserve moisture, then plate with complementary dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for a gourmet finishing touch.

Notes

• Cracker Coating Technique: Crush crackers finely for maximum crispiness, using a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, small crumbs that adhere perfectly to chicken.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken while maintaining juicy texture.
• Marinade Absorption: Let chicken sit in Dijon mixture for 10-15 minutes before coating to enhance flavor penetration and moisture retention.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg