Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make snack that is loved by all ages? Try your hand at crispy baked chicken tenders! These tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a golden, crunchy crust, making them a delicious and satisfying treat. So why not whip up a batch today? Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply craving a snack, these chicken tenders are sure to hit the spot. So what are you waiting for? Grab some chicken, a few simple ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Here is why you might love this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

1. The tenders are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.
2. The crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
3. The recipe is easy to follow and can be made quickly for a delicious, homemade meal.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on classic fried chicken tenders. These tender, juicy strips are coated in a crunchy, golden breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a tasty snack, these chicken tenders are sure to satisfy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings5 servings
Calories (per serving)251.15 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
  • In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In another shallow dish, whisk eggs and milk together.
  • In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Coat each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  • Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

1. Use Panko bread crumbs: They create the best crispy texture for chicken tenders.
2. Season the chicken tenders generously: Add salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Don’t forget the egg wash: Dip the chicken tenders in whisked eggs before coating them in bread crumbs. This will help the crumbs stick to the chicken and create a crispy coating.
4. Coat chicken tenders evenly: Make sure to coat each piece of chicken with a generous layer of breadcrumbs. This will ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked and crispy.
5. Use a wire rack: Place the chicken tenders on a wire rack instead of a baking sheet to ensure that the heat from the oven circulates around the chicken evenly, and the chicken stays crispy.
6. Use a hot oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F before placing the chicken tenders in the oven. This will help achieve a beautiful golden color and crisp outer layer.
7. Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan with too many chicken tenders as this will result in uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
8. Flip halfway through the cooking time: Flip the chicken tenders over halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides are crispy and golden-brown.
9. Use a digital meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.
10. Serve hot: Serve the chicken tenders hot and fresh out of the oven for the best texture and taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 251.15kcalCarbohydrates: 20.19gProtein: 26.28gFat: 6.47gSaturated Fat: 2.14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.84gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 128.66mgSodium: 543.83mgPotassium: 433.36mgFiber: 1.11gSugar: 1.2gVitamin A: 373.67IUVitamin B1: 0.29mgVitamin B2: 0.31mgVitamin B3: 11.09mgVitamin B5: 1.74mgVitamin B6: 0.76mgVitamin B12: 0.48µgVitamin C: 1.1mgVitamin D: 0.53µgVitamin E: 0.55mgVitamin K: 1.67µgCalcium: 92.76mgCopper: 0.1mgFolate: 48.93µgIron: 1.97mgManganese: 0.24mgMagnesium: 37.57mgPhosphorus: 301.25mgSelenium: 43.86µgZinc: 1.3mgNet Carbohydrates: 19.08g
Read more nutritional information values.

Data source: USDA

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Main Ingredients Explained

Ingredient Description Possible Alternatives
Chicken Protein-rich meat used for making the chicken tenders Turkey, tofu, paneer, seitan, or tempeh
Flour Used for coating the chicken to make it crispy Almond flour, coconut flour, or cornmeal
Bread Crumbs Another coating ingredient that adds texture and crunch Panko, crushed cornflakes, or crushed nuts

Storage Tips

The Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders recipe can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container or plastic bag. If you want to keep the chicken tenders for longer periods, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

To store the chicken tenders, wait until they have completely cooled down and pack them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure to label and date the container or bag before storing them in the freezer.

To defrost the chicken tenders, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw them using the microwave or the oven. For best results, reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

It’s important to note that repeatedly freezing and thawing the chicken tenders can affect their texture and taste, and could also lead to foodborne illness. So, try to avoid doing so as much as possible.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture to give your chicken tenders a spicy kick.

2. Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Mix grated parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and use it as a coating for the chicken. This variation gives the chicken tenders a cheesy and crispy texture.

3. Gluten-free Chicken Tenders: If you’re allergic or intolerant to gluten, you can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour, coconut flour, or cornmeal.

4. Buttermilk Chicken Tenders: Soak the chicken tenders in a buttermilk mixture for a few hours before coating them in the flour mixture. This variation adds moisture to the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor.

5. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders: Combine honey and Dijon mustard to make a sweet and tangy dipping sauce for the chicken tenders.

6. Asian-Style Chicken Tenders: Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the flour mixture to give the chicken tenders an Asian flair.

7. BBQ Chicken Tenders: Brush the chicken tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking them. This variation adds a smoky and sweet flavor.

8. Ranch Chicken Tenders: Mix ranch seasoning with the flour mixture to give the chicken tenders a classic ranch flavor.

What To Serve With

Here are some suggestions for what to serve with crispy baked chicken tenders:

– Crispy roasted potatoes: Cut potatoes into wedges, toss them in olive oil and seasonings, and roast them in the oven alongside the chicken tenders.
– Vegetables: Serve the chicken tenders with your choice of steamed, roasted or grilled vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, carrots, or mixed salad greens.
– French fries: Pair the chicken tenders with crispy, seasoned french fries for a classic pub-inspired meal.
– Dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce or ketchup, for dipping the chicken tenders.
– Cole slaw: Serve the crispy chicken tenders with a side of creamy and tangy coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
– Sweet potato fries: Serve baked sweet potato fries alongside the chicken tenders for a flavorful, healthier pairing.
– Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes can be the perfect accompaniment for crispy chicken tenders.

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