Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any dining table. As a fan of easy yet delicious meals, I can confidently say that these tenders are a game-changer. Originating from the classic fried chicken, this baked version offers a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor or crunch. The golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior make them irresistible, whether served as a main course or a snack. People love crispy baked chicken tenders for their satisfying texture and the convenience of preparation, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
Preparing the Marinade
First things first, lets get our chicken tenders marinated. This step is crucial for ensuring that our chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. If you need to, you can use a zip-top bag for easier marinating.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and keeps it moist during baking.
Preparing the Breading Station
While the chicken is marinating, lets set up our breading station. This will make the coating process smooth and efficient.
- In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. You can season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper if you like.
- In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Breading the Chicken Tenders
Now that our chicken is marinated and our breading station is ready, its time to coat those tenders!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that crispy texture we all love.
- Take the marinated chicken tenders out of the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before breading.
- Start with the flour: take a chicken tender and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
- Place the breaded chicken tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.
Baking the Chicken Tenders
Now that our chicken tenders are all breaded, its time to bake them to crispy perfection!
- Once all the tenders are on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully flip each chicken tender over to ensure even cooking and browning. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- If you want an extra crispy finish, you can broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Serving the Chicken Tenders
Once your chicken tenders are out of the oven, its time to enjoy them! Heres how I like to serve them:
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist.
Conclusion:
In summary, these crispy baked chicken tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The combination of a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating and tender, juicy chicken makes for a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables, tossing them into a salad for a protein-packed lunch, or even using them as a fun topping for a homemade pizza, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can pair these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a zesty ranch dressing. For a twist, try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mixture or even incorporating grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chicken, like using thighs for a juicier bite or even trying out plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making your own crispy baked chicken tenders at home. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this fantastic dish together! Happy cooking! Print
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe for a Delicious Meal
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy baked chicken tenders marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Alternatively, use a zip-top bag for easier marinating.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. Optionally, season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the refrigerator and let excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Ensure the entire surface is covered.
- Place the breaded chicken tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all tenders.
- Lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Flip each chicken tender and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Leave a Comment