Baked chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Imagine sinking your teeth into these golden delights while enjoying their savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.
These delectable baked chicken tenders have a special place in my heart—perfect for cozy family dinners or spontaneous snack attacks. Trust me, once you take that first crunchy bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked chicken tenders are incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights
- The flavor is out of this world, with a crispy coating that rivals any restaurant
- They look gorgeous on a plate, making them perfect for entertaining guests
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with any sauce you fancy—ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard!
I remember the first time I made these tasty treats for my family; their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use for dredging; it helps create that satisfying crunch in the coating.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These add extra crispiness and a delightful texture; don’t skip them!
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Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; opt for fresh garlic if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Paprika: Provides a lovely color and subtle warmth; smoked paprika adds a delicious twist.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for enhancing all the flavors.
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Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: To keep those tenders from sticking and ensure a nice brown crust.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Slice your chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
Create Your Breading Stations: In one bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour. Next, coat in egg wash before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s well-covered for maximum crunch!
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over them. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Strongly resist opening the oven door too soon—this will help maintain that crispy exterior!
Once you pull these beauties out of the oven and hear that satisfying crunch as they cool slightly, you know you’ve created something magical. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces—prepare for compliments!
These baked chicken tenders are not just an easy meal—they’re a ticket to happy tastebuds!
You Must Know
- Baked chicken tenders are a healthy alternative to fried ones; they’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that pleases everyone at the table
- The aroma of baking chicken will have everyone eagerly waiting
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve crispy baked chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This technique allows hot air to circulate around the tenders, creating that golden crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to personalize your baked chicken tenders by experimenting with different seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. You can even swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor and texture, marinating the chicken overnight makes a difference
- Ensure your tenders are evenly coated with breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness
- Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect doneness
There’s nothing quite like hearing that satisfying crunch when you bite into a perfectly baked chicken tender! I remember hosting a casual dinner party, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about these tenders—definitely a win!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly; they may take longer than fresh.
What dipping sauces go well with baked chicken tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce are fantastic choices.
Are baked chicken tenders healthier than fried ones?
Absolutely! Baking uses less oil, making them lower in calories and fat.
Baked Chicken Tenders
Baked chicken tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these easy-to-make tenders are sure to impress. With a flavorful coating and endless dipping sauce options, they are a healthier alternative to fried tenders without sacrificing taste. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they bake, and get ready for compliments when you serve them hot!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide for even cooking.
- In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip in egg wash, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange tenders on the prepared baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
