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