Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they are a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds like they just won a dance-off. Picture this: juicy chicken tenders, marinated in a delightful mix of honey and mustard, grilled to perfection, and served with vibrant sides that make your plate look like a work of art. You can almost smell the smoky aroma wafting through the air, making it hard to resist the urge to dive right in.
Now, let me take you back to a sun-soaked summer barbecue where my family gathered around, laughter echoing off the backyard fence. We had an endless supply of these grilled chicken tenders, and I’ll admit, I may have devoured more than my fair share while attempting to impress my crush with my grilling skills. Spoiler alert: it worked! Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are your ticket to culinary applause.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is as easy as pie—if pie didn’t require baking!
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile will keep everyone coming back for seconds
- With its golden brown crust and juicy interior, it’s sure to impress visually on any dinner table
- Perfect for summer cookouts but versatile enough for weeknight meals or lunch prep
Ingredients for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenders: About 1 pound will do nicely; they grill quickly and stay juicy.
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Honey: Use pure honey for that sweet note that balances out the tanginess perfectly.
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Dijon Mustard: It adds that zesty kick we all crave; don’t skimp on quality!
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of this liquid gold helps achieve that perfect grill mark.
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Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle elevates the flavor without overpowering it.
For the Marinade:
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed brings brightness and balances the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and tools—grill tongs, mixing bowl, and measuring cups—and get ready for some culinary fun.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth. You want it silky like your favorite rom-com!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken tenders into the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes; longer if you’re feeling fancy!
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill nice and hot at medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). It’s like getting ready for a hot date—you want everything sizzling!
Step 5: Grill Those Tenders
Place chicken tenders on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown with lovely grill marks. Don’t forget to flip them halfway!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any leftover marinade for the perfect finishing touch. Serve alongside fresh veggies or rice for a complete meal.
And there you have it! Deliciously grilled honey mustard chicken tenders ready to impress your family or friends—or maybe just yourself because you deserve it!
You Must Know
- This grilled honey mustard chicken tenders recipe isn’t just about great taste; it’s a surefire way to impress your friends at the next BBQ
- The combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey creates a delightful dance on your palate, making it a crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in your honey mustard blend for at least 30 minutes. While they soak up flavor, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to play with flavors! Swap honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous or add garlic powder for an extra kick. You could also toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate this dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them up on a skillet over low heat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly tender chicken, always marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply
- Make sure your grill is hot enough; this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and seals in juices
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling keeps it juicy and flavorful
I remember the first time I made grilled honey mustard chicken tenders for my family. They devoured every last piece and even fought over who would get the last tender!
FAQs:
What are the ingredients for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders?
To make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders, you’ll need chicken tenders, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. The combination of honey and mustard creates a delicious marinade that enhances the tenderness of the chicken. Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to infuse deeply, resulting in a dish that’s both sweet and tangy. Prepare these ingredients ahead of time to ensure a smooth cooking process.
How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?
For the best results with your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders, marinate them for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors of the honey mustard mixture to penetrate the chicken thoroughly. However, avoid exceeding 4 hours as this may cause the chicken to become too soft due to acidity in the marinade. Always marinate in a covered container or resealable bag for hygiene.
What is the best way to grill chicken tenders?
To achieve perfectly grilled chicken tenders, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use tongs for flipping rather than a fork to maintain juiciness. Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving; this helps retain moisture.
Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders if you prefer not to use a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated tenders on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Baking may yield slightly different textures compared to grilling but will still offer delicious flavors from the honey mustard marinade.
Conclusion for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are an easy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients like honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh chicken tenders, you can create a delightful meal in no time. Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness while grilling or baking offers flexibility in preparation methods. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy your deliciously grilled tenders with your favorite sides!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy dish, perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken tenders marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard mixture are grilled to perfection, creating a delicious meal that will impress family and friends. Serve them alongside fresh veggies or rice for a complete, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add chicken tenders to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
- Grill chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
