These Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy recipe that only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Tender chicken breast strips are coated in mustard, dredged in flour and egg, and then fried to golden perfection. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for serving with your favorite sides or dipping sauces. Whether you enjoy them with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple mustard sauce, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast

• 2 eggs (or 1 extra-large egg), beaten

• Flour for dredging

• 1 tbsp of your favorite mustard (yellow mustard works well)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Cut the chicken breast into ½-inch thick strips.

2. Gently beat the chicken with a meat tenderizer.

3. Sprinkle the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then spread a thin layer of mustard on top.

4. Dredge the chicken in flour, followed by the beaten eggs.

5. Fry the chicken in a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

6. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

7. Serve with your favorite side, ketchup, or mustard sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 223 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 0.3g

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 94mg

• Sodium: 487mg

• Potassium: 282mg

• Fiber: 0.1g

• Sugar: 0.1g

• Vitamin A: 100 IU

• Calcium: 10mg

• Iron: 1.3mg

Why Mustard is the Secret Ingredient

At the heart of this recipe is mustard, which provides both a unique flavor and a slight tanginess that enhances the overall taste of the chicken. Mustard acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken while also adding depth to the breading. It’s a simple ingredient that elevates the dish without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor. Whether you use yellow mustard, Dijon, or honey mustard, the mustard creates a flavorful base that infuses the chicken with a slight heat and richness.

The beauty of mustard lies in its versatility—it’s bold enough to stand out in this recipe but also works well with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces. The mustard not only adds flavor but also helps the flour and egg adhere to the chicken strips, ensuring a crispy, golden crust when fried.

The Perfect Balance of Crispy and Tender

The method of dredging the chicken tenders in flour and egg creates the perfect coating that crisps up beautifully when fried. The flour helps to create a light outer layer, while the egg acts as the binding agent to hold the coating together. The result is a crispy, golden exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken inside. Frying the chicken in just a small amount of vegetable oil ensures the tenders cook through evenly while retaining their crispy crunch.

The quick frying process—just 2-3 minutes per side—ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender. The exterior crisps up nicely, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the mustard-infused chicken stays moist on the inside. This perfect balance of textures is what makes these tenders stand out, offering a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

A Versatile Dish for Every Meal

One of the key benefits of Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders is their versatility. These tenders can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad, providing a protein-packed main dish that complements many different sides.

In addition to classic sides, you can also serve these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces. The tangy mustard flavor makes them perfect for pairing with a creamy ranch dip, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a classic honey mustard sauce. The tenders can be dipped into any of these sauces for an added layer of flavor and richness, making the meal even more enjoyable.

For a lighter option, these tenders can also be served on top of a salad, transforming them into a more balanced, low-carb meal. Their crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch to fresh greens and vegetables, while the chicken itself provides lean protein, making for a filling, nutritious meal.

The Health Benefits of Mustard Chicken Tenders

While fried food often gets a bad reputation, these Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders provide a balanced nutritional profile. With only 223 calories per serving and 34 grams of protein, they make for a filling, satisfying meal without being too high in calories. The low carbohydrate content (only 0.3g) makes these tenders an excellent choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the small amount of oil used for frying helps to keep the fat content at a moderate level.

The mustard used in this recipe offers more than just flavor—it’s a good source of antioxidants, including selenium and magnesium, which can help support your body’s immune function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, mustard seeds contain fiber and essential fatty acids that contribute to overall health.

Although the tenders are fried, they’re not overly greasy. The use of a small amount of vegetable oil for frying allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb minimal oil, keeping the dish lighter than other fried chicken recipes.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders is how quick and easy they are to make. The entire dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want to get a flavorful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

To prepare, simply cut the chicken breasts into strips, tenderize them lightly, and coat them in a mixture of mustard, flour, and eggs. The frying process is quick, with each side needing just a few minutes in the pan to achieve the perfect golden color. Once cooked, place the chicken on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring a crispy, not greasy finish.

If you want to streamline the process even further, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time. Coat the chicken in the mustard and flour mixture, store it in the refrigerator for a few hours, and then fry it when you’re ready to eat. This makes the dish even more convenient for meal prepping or for preparing a quick dinner when you’re short on time.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

These Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prepping. You can easily prepare them in bulk and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The tenders can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal on busy days. Reheating them in the oven will help preserve their crispy texture, but if you’re in a rush, the microwave is a convenient option.

Additionally, these tenders can be used in a variety of ways for leftover meals. You can chop them up and add them to a salad, use them in sandwiches or wraps, or serve them with a different dipping sauce for a change of pace. The tenders retain their flavor and texture well, making them a great option for meal prepping for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

Amazing Mustard Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of mustard, tender chicken, and a crispy coating makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple dipping sauce, these tenders are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. With only 20 minutes of preparation time, they’re ideal for busy nights when you need a quick, protein-packed meal. The crispy, golden perfection of these tenders is sure to impress everyone at the table, making them a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.