Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a favorite in our household. These crispy, flavorful strips of chicken are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend treat. Unlike store-bought options, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking, leading to a delicious, healthier version that everyone will love. With a golden, crunchy coating and juicy chicken inside, they are sure to be a hit at your table.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

You’ll love making these Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders for so many reasons. First off, they’re incredibly budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, they are quick to prepare—perfect for those weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Kids adore them, making them a go-to meal when you’re juggling picky eaters and busy schedules.

"These chicken tenders were a game changer! My kids couldn’t get enough, and I loved how easy they were to make. A definite repeat in our house!" – Amanda G.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders is as straightforward as it gets! You’ll set up a simple breading station, coat the chicken, and then bake. The process ensures that you get crispy chicken tenders without the need for frying, making clean-up a breeze and your kitchen a little healthier. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crunch!)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

You can easily substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or cornflakes for a different texture. If you’re in need of a gluten-free option, there are many gluten-free breadcrumbs available or you can use almond flour.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one for flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one for beaten eggs; and one for breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Finally, coat each tender with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick.
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Lightly spray with olive oil for an extra crispy finish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

These chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven! Pair them with some classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for an extra touch. They make an excellent side for crispy fries or a fresh salad. Additionally, you can serve them alongside veggies for a balanced meal or use them in a wrap or sandwich for a lunchtime treat.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a rarity in my house!), here are some storage tips. Let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply bake from frozen for about 25-30 minutes.

Pro Chef Tips

• For the crunchiest coating, consider double-dipping your chicken: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, back to egg, and again in breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the spices to suit your taste! Adding cayenne for a kick or oregano for an Italian twist can give these tenders a mini makeover.
• Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing that brightens the flavors.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Buffalo Chicken Tenders: After coating, toss them in buffalo sauce before serving.
• Parmesan Crusted: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumbs for a cheesy delight.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or basil into your breading for a fresher taste.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prep and cook these chicken tenders?

Preparation and cooking should take around 30-35 minutes, making this a quick go-to meal.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking for best results.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Are there any healthy swaps I can use in this recipe?

You can use whole wheat flour and whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier option while maintaining the dish’s integrity!

Now, you’re ready to whip up these delicious Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor each bite.

Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

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Description

Crispy, flavorful chicken tenders that are a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one for seasoned flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Immerse in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat each tender with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick.
6. Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Lightly spray with olive oil.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Double-dip for extra crunch and adjust spices to your taste. Serve with lemon juice for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: baked chicken tenders, healthier chicken strips, family-friendly meal