Homemade Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delightful addition to any meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, these tenders are not only healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare. With their golden, crispy coating and juicy chicken inside, they please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these tenders in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying cuts down on calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust spices and add your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These tenders store well, making them an ideal choice for meal prepping.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love dipping and eating these crispy bites, making dinnertime enjoyable for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even cooking surface for perfect crispiness.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Shallow bowls: Ideal for breading the chicken, ensuring even coating.
- Whisk: Helps mix eggs smoothly for better adherence of breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders (cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and tools. Set up a breading station by placing the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs first. Allow any excess egg to drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken tenders on the sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray to promote browning.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Now you have delicious Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders ready to serve! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a complete meal!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be served in many fun and delicious ways. Whether for a casual meal or a festive gathering, these chicken tenders can please everyone at the table.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky and rich, this sauce adds depth to the chicken tenders.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch is a classic choice that complements the flavors.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love heat, buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick.
In a Wrap or Sandwich
- Tortilla Wrap: Roll the chicken tenders with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauces for a quick wrap.
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Stack them in a bun with pickles and slaw for a hearty sandwich option.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Top romaine with crispy baked chicken tenders, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a satisfying meal.
- Greek Salad: Add chicken tenders to mixed greens, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
To achieve the ultimate crispy texture for your baked chicken tenders, follow these essential tips.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter and crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Ensure Even Coating: Dip each tender in egg before coating it with breadcrumbs to ensure every piece is evenly covered.
- Spray with Olive Oil: A light spray of olive oil before baking helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispiness.
- Bake on a Wire Rack: Place chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking and crisping.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- French Fries: Classic and always loved; serve them hot alongside your chicken tenders.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and creamy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the meal perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken tenders while keeping it healthy.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A comforting side that pairs well with chicken tenders for kids and adults alike.
- Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious option that adds color to your plate while keeping it healthy.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and fun to your meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Marinate your chicken strips for at least 30 minutes for a more flavorful dish.
- Using regular breadcrumbs: While panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier texture, using regular breadcrumbs may result in a denser coating. Opt for panko for the best results.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many tenders on one baking sheet can cause steaming rather than baking. Ensure there’s enough space between each tender for even cooking.
- Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking them too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a little oil until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders.
Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
What dipping sauces go well with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair wonderfully with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
How do I customize my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
Feel free to add different spices or herbs like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you juicier tenders, so feel free to use them if you prefer dark meat.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various meals. You can customize them with different spices and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthy and delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. These tender strips of chicken are coated in a light, crunchy breadcrumb mixture that delivers a satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this easy recipe is sure to become a family staple. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a wholesome meal—these tenders are versatile, kid-friendly, and utterly irresistible!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders (cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and mixed breadcrumbs (with Parmesan and spices) in another.
- Coat each chicken strip in egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
