Crispy baked chicken tenders have become my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family loves. I remember struggling for years to get that perfect crunch without the mess of frying, wondering how to make crispy baked chicken tenders that actually tasted good. Then, I discovered this method – it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for healthy baked chicken tenders that deliver on flavor and texture. The aroma of the seasoned panko coating crisping up in the oven is just incredible! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Incredible flavor and satisfying crunch without the oil!
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- A healthier alternative to fried chicken, packed with protein.
- This easy crispy chicken tenders baked recipe is incredibly budget-friendly.
- Kids and adults alike adore these tasty tenders.
- It’s an easy crispy chicken tenders baked meal that requires minimal effort.
- Versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides and dips.
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Gathering your ingredients is the first simple step to achieving delicious breaded baked chicken tenders crispy results. You’ll need about 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, which you can cut into strips if you’re using breasts. For the coating, we’ll use 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth, and a flavorful mix of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, which are key for that amazing crunch. I also love adding ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory note (totally optional, but recommended!). The seasoning blend includes 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to give the tenders a fantastic flavor. A light mist of olive oil spray before baking ensures they get that beautiful golden color.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Step 1: Let’s get this oven nice and hot! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. For ultimate crispiness, I love placing a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air to circulate all around the tenders.
- Step 2: Get your chicken ready. If you bought chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1-inch wide. If you’re using pre-cut tenders, you can skip this part!
- Step 3: Set up your dredging stations. In one shallow bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until they’re smooth and frothy. In another bowl, combine the 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), and all your seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix everything together well.
- Step 4: Now for the fun part – breading! Lightly season your chicken strips with a little salt and pepper. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, press the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat it really well, pressing gently so those lovely crumbs stick. For an extra-thick, super-crunchy coating that really makes these oven baked chicken tenders crispy, you can dip them back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs again.
- Step 5: Arrange your beautifully breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Give them a little space between each one so they can get perfectly golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Give those tenders a light spritz with olive oil spray. This helps them brown beautifully and enhances that crispy texture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color and that satisfying crunch that makes these oven baked chicken tenders crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy inside. Serve your amazing oven baked chicken tenders crispy with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Want to elevate your chicken tender game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to ensure these oven baked chicken tenders crispy and delicious every single time. Following these simple tips will make a huge difference in achieving that perfect crunch.
- Always pat your chicken dry with paper towels before breading. This is crucial for helping the coating adhere and preventing sogginess.
- Don’t skimp on the panko breadcrumbs! They are essential for that signature crispiness. For an even better texture, consider a double dip: egg, crumbs, egg again, then crumbs.
- Baking on a wire rack set over your baking sheet is a game-changer. It allows air to circulate underneath the tenders, ensuring all sides get equally crispy.
- A light mist of olive oil spray before baking really helps achieve that golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
What’s the secret to perfect crispy baked chicken tenders?
The secret to perfect crispy baked chicken tenders lies in a few key steps: patting the chicken dry, using panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch, and ensuring good air circulation during baking, typically by using a wire rack. This is the best way to bake chicken tenders crispy!
Can I make crispy baked chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prep these crispy baked chicken tenders ahead of time! Bread them completely and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these quick dinner recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy baked chicken tenders?
A common pitfall is overcrowding the baking sheet, which leads to steaming instead of crisping. Another mistake is not patting the chicken dry, which is why why are my baked chicken tenders not crispy. Ensure good air circulation and use panko for the best results. Learning about proper food safety, like the importance of cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), is also key.
Best Ways to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
These versatile crispy baked chicken tenders are fantastic with a variety of sides and dips, making them perfect for any occasion. For a classic pairing, serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch. They also make a wonderful addition to a salad, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. If you’re looking for healthy chicken finger recipes oven baked, try serving these tenders alongside roasted sweet potato fries and a fresh green salad for a balanced and delicious dinner that feels like a treat. You might also enjoy these easy side dishes to complement your meal.
Nutrition Facts for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
When you make these crispy baked chicken tenders, you’re choosing a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Each serving provides a good balance of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (about 3-4 tenders):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Even though these crispy baked chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh, they store surprisingly well! Once cooked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for maintaining that crispiness, as residual heat can create steam in a container. Store the cooled tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed. When you’re ready to enjoy your crispy chicken tenders no frying, reheating is key to bringing back their texture. The best method is to pop them back in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating! For more tips on food storage, explore food preservation techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
What makes these baked chicken tenders crispy?
The magic happens with a few key things: using panko breadcrumbs for superior crunch, ensuring the chicken is patted dry before breading, and baking at a high temperature with good air circulation. This combination is what makes them the best crispy baked chicken tenders.
Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
While panko is highly recommended for that signature crispiness, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a slightly different texture. If you’re looking for simple crispy chicken tenders and only have regular breadcrumbs, it will still work, just expect a less airy crunch. You can find more information on breadcrumb alternatives on sites like King Arthur Baking.
What are good dipping sauces for these tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Classic choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or ranch. For something a little different, try a spicy aioli, sweet chili sauce, or even a garlic parmesan dip. They all pair wonderfully with these crispy baked chicken tenders. Discover more sauce recipes here.
Why are my baked chicken tenders not crispy?
There are a few common reasons. Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not crisping. Not patting the chicken dry before breading means the coating won’t stick well. Also, not using panko or ensuring enough air circulation can impact the final texture. Make sure you’re following the tips for the best way to bake chicken tenders crispy!
Variations of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for these fantastic crispy baked chicken tenders, you might want to explore some fun variations. These ideas can help you cater to different dietary needs or simply switch up the flavors for a new experience.
- Gluten-Free: For deliciously gluten-free baked chicken tenders crispy results, simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for a good quality gluten-free panko or even crushed gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereal. Ensure your seasonings are also certified gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: If you’re watching your carb intake, try these low-carb crispy baked chicken tenders by using crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with a little psyllium husk as the breading. This swap keeps the crunch factor high while significantly reducing carbohydrates.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg wash or breadcrumb mixture for tenders with a little heat.
- Herbaceous Delight: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic and fresh flavor boost.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: Easy Delicious 30 Min
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings (About 12-16 chicken tenders) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy baked chicken tenders offer a healthier alternative to fried versions, featuring tender chicken coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crunchy. They are perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1-inch wide. If using chicken tenders, you can skip this step.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick. For an extra crunchy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping process (double coating).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack), leaving space between each tender for even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the chicken tenders lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and crisp. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before breading for maximum crispiness.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for superior texture.
- Spray with olive oil before baking and consider baking on a wire rack for air circulation.
- Double-coating the chicken can enhance crispiness.
- These tenders can be prepped ahead and frozen before baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Gluten-free options include using gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3-4 tenders)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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