Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders: Crispy, juicy, and unbelievably delicious – who says you can’t have it all? Forget the greasy takeout and say hello to a healthier, homemade version of everyone’s favorite comfort food. I’m about to share my secret to achieving perfectly golden-brown, oven-baked chicken tenders that will have your family begging for more.

Chicken tenders, in their various forms, have been a staple in American cuisine for decades. While the exact origin is debated, their popularity soared in the latter half of the 20th century as fast-food chains embraced them. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that familiar taste without the guilt. That’s where this recipe comes in!

What makes baked breaded chicken tenders so irresistible? It’s the satisfying crunch of the breading combined with the tender, flavorful chicken inside. Plus, baking them instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content, making it a meal you can feel good about serving. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for game night, or even a lunchbox treat. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade chicken tenders that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Cooking spray

Preparing the Chicken and Breadcrumb Mixture

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Trust me, it makes a difference!
2. Now, we’ll set up our breading station. You’ll need three shallow dishes or plates. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour.
3. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. Make sure there are no streaks of yolk or white.
4. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well so the spices are evenly distributed. This is where all the flavor comes from!
5. Now, for the breading process. Take one chicken strip at a time and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. We don’t want a thick layer of flour, just a light coating.
6. Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let any excess egg drip off.
7. Finally, dredge the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they adhere well. You want a nice, thick coating of breadcrumbs. This is what gives the tenders their crispy texture.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining chicken strips until all the chicken is breaded.

Baking the Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start baking.
2. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the pan.
3. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the tenders aren’t touching each other, as this will help them bake evenly and get crispy.
4. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken tenders. This will help them brown and get nice and crispy in the oven.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
6. Halfway through the baking time, flip the chicken tenders over to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
7. Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These baked breaded chicken tenders are delicious served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Honey mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Sweet and sour sauce

You can also serve them as part of a meal with sides like:

• French fries
• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Salad

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet, with space between each tender. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in soggy tenders. If necessary, bake the chicken in batches.
• Use a wire rack: For even crispier tenders, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the chicken tenders on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, resulting in crispier breading.
• Panko is key: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which makes them ideal for creating a crispy coating. Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs.
• Don’t skip the olive oil: Drizzling the chicken tenders with olive oil before baking helps them brown and get crispy.
• High heat: Baking the chicken at a high temperature (400°F) helps the breading crisp up quickly.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

Variations:

• Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Italian Chicken Tenders: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders: After baking, toss the chicken tenders in a honey garlic sauce.

Healthier Options:

• Air Fryer: You can also cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
• Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese: Use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to reduce the fat content.

Troubleshooting:

• Breading not sticking: Make sure you’re patting the chicken dry before breading it. This helps the flour adhere better. Also, make sure you’re pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly.
• Chicken not cooking through: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. Also, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Breading burning: If the breading is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the chicken is cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious homemade baked breaded chicken tenders! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, picky eaters, and anyone craving that satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers on flavor, convenience, and health all in one delicious package. Forget those store-bought, overly processed tenders – once you taste the difference of homemade, you’ll never go back!

What makes these tenders so special? It’s the perfect balance of crispy breading, juicy chicken, and the ease of baking. No more standing over a hot stove, splattering oil everywhere. Just pop them in the oven and let them work their magic. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier meal for you and your family.

But the best part? The versatility! These Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Serve them with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. For a healthier option, try a Greek yogurt-based dip with dill and lemon. Or, get adventurous and whip up a spicy sriracha mayo or a sweet and tangy mango chutney.

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! These tenders are fantastic on their own as a main course, paired with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crispy sweet potato fries. They’re also perfect for adding to wraps, salads, or even using as a topping for homemade pizzas. Imagine slicing them up and adding them to a Caesar salad for a protein-packed lunch, or using them to create delicious chicken tender sliders for a fun and easy appetizer.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Try using different types of breadcrumbs, like panko for an extra crispy texture, or add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breading for a cheesy twist. You can also adjust the spices to your liking – a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some Italian seasoning for a more savory flavor. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

I’m confident that you’ll love these Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders as much as I do. They’re a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best baked chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you thought, what variations you tried, and what dipping sauces you paired them with. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking!