Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my crispy baked chicken tenders! They’re like a hug in food form, and the best part? They’re a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing any of that delicious crunch! I absolutely love whipping these up for family dinners or game day snacks. They’re so easy to make and always get devoured in no time. Plus, you can feel good serving them because they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy that crispy goodness guilt-free. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
Getting the right ingredients is key to making these crispy baked chicken tenders truly shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders – they’re tender and juicy, perfect for baking!
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I love using seasoned ones for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – this adds that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tsp onion powder – for a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 tsp paprika – it gives a lovely color and flavor kick.
- 1/2 tsp salt – to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 tsp pepper – for a little zing!
- 2 eggs – beaten, to help the coating stick perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – a touch of healthy fat for flavor and moisture.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a deliciously crispy masterpiece that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Now, let’s get into the fun part – making those crispy baked chicken tenders! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a plate full of golden, crunchy goodness that everyone will love.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it helps the tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture is what will give your chicken tenders that deliciously crunchy exterior, so make sure it’s evenly blended!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in the olive oil. This mixture acts as a glue to help the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken. Make sure it’s combined well for maximum coverage!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now, it’s time to coat those tenders! Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to adhere the crumbs all over. Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all tenders are coated!
Bake the Chicken Tenders
Finally, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color. Once they’re cooked through, they’ll emerge crispy and ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
Want your crispy baked chicken tenders to turn out absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the cooking spray—give the tenders a light mist before baking for that extra crunch. Trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you want to switch things up, try using crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for a fun texture twist. You can also season your breadcrumbs with Italian herbs for a delightful flavor boost. And remember, if you’re short on time, pre-seasoned breadcrumbs can save the day! Just make sure to adjust your salt accordingly. With these little tweaks, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these crispy baked chicken tenders packs about 320 calories, with 12 grams of fat and an impressive 30 grams of protein. You also get 24 grams of carbohydrates and just 1 gram of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, but they give you a great idea of how nutritious this dish can be. Enjoy guilt-free munching!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders, but keep in mind that you’ll want to slice the breast into strips about the same size as tenders for even cooking. Because chicken breasts are generally thicker, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven—just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover crispy baked chicken tenders (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to re-crisp them. No one likes a soggy tender!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make these crispy baked chicken tenders gluten-free! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. You can also use ground almonds or gluten-free panko for a fun twist! Just be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier than traditional fried chicken, so you can indulge guilt-free.
- Flavorful and crispy, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile—great for dipping or adding to salads and wraps.
- Make-ahead friendly; leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this collection! You can also explore all my recipes for more inspiration. If you’re interested in the health benefits of chicken, you can read more here!
Print
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy baked chicken tenders are a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken. They are seasoned and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in olive oil.
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, baked chicken recipe