Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken perfectly coated in a luscious honey mustard glaze. These Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders combine sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make. This recipe showcases the harmonious blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh rosemary, bringing an elevated yet approachable taste to your table.
Inspired by the need for simple yet impressive meals, these tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a quick dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. The balance of citrusy lemon, earthy rosemary, and the richness of olive oil creates a marinade that locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Grilling adds a smoky touch that takes these tenders to the next level. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for anyone from beginner cooks to seasoned pros looking for a fresh take on a classic chicken recipe.
Key Takeaways:
- 2 hours marination time
- 15-minute prep time for a quick and easy weeknight dinner
- Honey mustard sauce perfectly coats the chicken
Variations and Substitutions
This honey mustard chicken breast strips recipe is easy to customize. You can tweak it to suit your taste or use available ingredients. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Experimenting with Different Mustard Types
You can use various mustard types instead of Dijon. Spicy brown mustard adds heat and depth to the sauce. Grainy mustard gives a rustic texture and subtle crunch.
Try mixing different mustards to create a unique blend. Here are some mustard types to consider:
- Yellow mustard
- Honey mustard
- Whole grain mustard
- Spicy brown mustard
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Honey mustard chicken tenders pair well with many side dishes. This versatile recipe works for healthy meals and tasty chicken dinners. You can easily find the perfect side to match your taste and diet.
For quick weeknight meals, serve with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. These options complement the chicken’s flavors while keeping the meal light. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
For heartier meals, try mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered egg noodles. These sides provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken. For healthier options, choose quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta.
The best part about these honey mustard chicken breast strips is how adaptable they are. I’ve served them with everything from a simple side salad to roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables, and they always taste amazing!
Experiment with different side dishes for chicken. Here are some creative options:
- Roasted sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar
- Grilled zucchini and summer squash with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Sautéed spinach with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice
- Creamy polenta with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese
You can also use these chicken strips in other dishes. Try them as a salad topping, in tacos or wraps, or as sandwich filling. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
| Side Dish Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans |
| Salads | Fresh garden salad, spinach and strawberry salad, kale Caesar salad |
| Grains and Starches | Quinoa, brown rice, mashed potatoes, whole wheat pasta |
| Creative Sides | Roasted sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, creamy polenta |
These honey mustard chicken tenders make a delicious and well-rounded meal. With so many pairing options, this recipe will become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Tips and Tricks
- Marination Time: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Temperature Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F without overcooking.
- Non-Grill Option: Don’t have a grill? Cook the tenders on a stovetop grill pan or bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper refrigeration is vital for keeping chicken leftovers safe and tasty. Cool honey mustard chicken breast strips to room temperature first. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigerating Honey Mustard Chicken
Follow these tips to keep your leftover honey mustard chicken fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use shallow, airtight containers to allow the chicken to cool quickly and evenly.
- Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness.
- Avoid storing the chicken alongside raw meats to prevent cross-contamination.
Reheating Techniques for Optimal Taste and Texture
Proper reheating is key to maintaining the chicken’s taste and texture. Here are some effective methods:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Microwave Method:Â Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon or two of water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop Method:Â Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. If the chicken seems dry, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet to introduce some moisture.
Reheating chicken covered in coatings or sauces, like honey mustard, works better in the oven to prevent the sauce from falling off or burning on the surface.
Always follow these food safety guidelines when reheating your chicken:
| Reheating Method | Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 10-15 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
| Microwave | 1-2 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
| Stovetop | 5-6 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
These storage and reheating tips will help you enjoy delicious leftover honey mustard chicken. Remember to handle and store food properly for safety and quality.
These Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are an unbeatable combination of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether grilled or baked, the balance of sweet and tangy marinade with juicy chicken makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Juicy Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Recipe: Easy, Flavorful and Grilled to Perfection
Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken tenders marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, grilled to perfection for an easy and impressive dish.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
For the Chicken:
Optional Garnish:
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, diced shallot, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside half the marinade in the refrigerator for later use as a glaze.
Marinate the Chicken:
-
Place the chicken tenderloins in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour in the marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight, for the flavors to fully infuse. Remember to turn the bag occasionally for even marination.
Preheat the Grill:
-
Heat your grill or pan to medium heat, around 375–400°F.
Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
-
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Brush each tender with canola oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.
Grill the Chicken:
-
Place the chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Apply the Reserved Marinade:
-
During the final 1–2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for an added burst of flavor. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly for a glossy, irresistible finish.
Serve and Enjoy:
-
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve immediately.
Equipment
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Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 604.13kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37.64g58%
- Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
- Trans Fat 0.01g
- Cholesterol 69.73mg24%
- Sodium 940.37mg40%
- Potassium 439.13mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 41.52g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3.06g13%
- Sugars 14.38g
- Protein 25.98g52%
- Vitamin A 2.2 IU
- Vitamin C 3.73 mg
- Calcium 51.76 mg
- Iron 2.45 mg
- Vitamin D 0.34 IU
- Vitamin E 1.79 IU
- Vitamin K 32.94 mcg
- Thiamin 0.39 mg
- Riboflavin 0.17 mg
- Niacin 9.85 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.11 mg
- Folate 26.13 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.45 mcg
- Phosphorus 382.7 mg
- Magnesium 50.6 mmol
- Zinc 1.5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
