Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy baked chicken tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken. They offer a perfect balance of crunch and juicy tenderness, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs.
3. Step 3: In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Dip each chicken strip first into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and spray generously with olive oil before baking.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
• To make gluten-free tenders, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before coating and baking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese from the breadcrumb mixture or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the flavor without the dairy.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken strips by baking them to golden perfection. The chicken is coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then lightly sprayed with olive oil to achieve a crispy, crunchy texture. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or a tasty snack, these chicken tenders are easy to prepare and bake quickly in the oven.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken tenders to a crispy finish.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. This will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere properly to the chicken strips.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating on all sides.
5. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack placed over a baking tray to allow air circulation.
6. Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with olive oil spray to promote crispiness and browning during baking.
7. Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping and cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.

Notes

• You can substitute regular breadcrumbs if panko is unavailable, but panko offers a lighter, crispier texture.
• For extra flavor, add herbs like dried oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
• If using chicken breasts instead of tenders, be sure to slice them into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to help air circulate and keep tenders crispy on all sides.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to at least 165°F for safety.

Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, baked chicken strips, healthy chicken tenders, oven-baked chicken, panko chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe