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Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
When you’re in the mood for something crispy and flavorful, there’s nothing quite like homemade baked chicken tenders. This delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a comforting treat on the weekend. Trust me, once you make these tender, golden-brown strips, you might find them becoming a staple in your kitchen. The great news? They’re simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to whip up something satisfying yet easy.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Baked chicken tenders have a special place in many hearts (and stomachs!). They strike the perfect balance between being a quick meal and a nutritious option that’s kid-approved. Who doesn’t love crispy, golden chicken that isn’t fried? The best part is you can feel good about serving this dish, knowing that it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried options. Whether you are rushing through a weeknight dinner or planning a fun movie night, these baked tenders are versatile and can be paired with various dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch dressing.
“A total hit with the kiddos! They devoured every last bite and asked for more. A new family favorite!” – A happy mom from the recipe comments.
Preparing Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Making these homemade baked chicken tenders is a breeze! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps: you’ll set up your breading station, coat the chicken strips in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and pop them in the oven until they are perfectly crispy. With just a handful of simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch, or use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative!
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, followed by the egg, then coat each with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Best Way to Serve
The beauty of homemade baked chicken tenders lies in their adaptability! Serve them up with a vibrant side salad for a light meal or pair them with crispy fries for a classic comfort dish. You can also consider offering various dipping sauces, such as buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy aioli to elevate your serving game!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store your chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. You can also freeze the uncooked breaded tenders. Simply lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months!
Pro Chef Tips
- To ensure extra crunch, consider double-breading the chicken strips by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken strips for a few hours in your favorite seasoning or buttermilk before the breading process.
- If you want to cut down on prep time, use pre-cut chicken tenders from your local grocery store!
Creative Twists
This recipe is a great canvas for creativity! Consider adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an Italian twist. You could also spice things up by incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder for a little heat. For a Mediterranean flair, why not sprinkle some feta cheese on top before serving? The options are endless!
Your Questions Answered
How long do these chicken tenders take to make?
From start to finish, this recipe can be ready in about 30-40 minutes which includes prep and cooking time.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even zucchini slices for a vegetarian option.
How do I know when chicken is done?
Chicken tenders are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a great tool to ensure perfectly cooked chicken!
This recipe for homemade baked chicken tenders not only brings deliciousness to your table but also offers a chance to personalize the experience for you and your loved ones. Get ready to indulge in crispy, flavorful tender perfection!
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
Delicious homemade baked chicken tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to fried options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, followed by the egg, then coat each with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider double-breading the chicken strips. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, healthy recipes, easy dinner, kid-friendly meals
