Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Honestly, weeknight dinners can be a real struggle, can’t they? Trying to find something that’s both healthy-ish and appealing to the whole family feels like navigating a culinary minefield. That’s where these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders became our absolute lifesaver. I stumbled upon this recipe while desperately searching for a healthier alternative to fried chicken, and let me tell you, it completely exceeded expectations! The kids, who are usually skeptical of anything baked (unless it’s a cookie!), devoured them. The adults loved the incredible flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s become a regular in our rotation, and I’m so excited to share this game-changing recipe with you. Get ready to experience crispy, juicy chicken tenders without the guilt of deep frying – you won’t believe they’re baked!

Ingredients for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender-sized strips. Make sure they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the first layer of our breading, helping to create a dry surface for the egg wash to adhere to.
• Large Eggs: Acts as the “glue” in our breading process, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret weapon for ultimate crispiness! Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a much crispier texture when baked.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to our breading. You can use plain breadcrumbs if preferred, but Italian breadcrumbs bring a nice savory element.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Contributes a salty, cheesy flavor and helps with browning and crisping in the oven.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for savory depth, garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds another layer of savory goodness.
• Dried Oregano: Provides a touch of Mediterranean herb flavor that complements the other seasonings.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the chicken and breading.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the overall taste.
• Olive Oil Spray: Used for lightly coating the baking sheet and the chicken tenders to promote browning and crispiness without excessive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Making these incredibly crispy baked chicken tenders is surprisingly simple! Follow these easy steps for guaranteed success:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by prepping your chicken breasts. If you purchased whole chicken breasts, you’ll need to cut them into tender-sized strips. To do this, place the chicken breast on a cutting board and slice it lengthwise into strips that are about 1-inch thick. Aim for relatively uniform size so they cook evenly. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it removes excess moisture, which will help the breading adhere better and result in crispier tenders.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Now, let’s get our breading stations ready. You will need three shallow dishes or plates for this process.

• Station 1: Flour Dredge: In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. This is your dry dredge.
• Station 2: Egg Wash: In the second shallow dish, whisk together the large eggs. Whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
• Station 3: Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix all these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture. This flavorful breadcrumb mixture is what will give our chicken tenders their amazing crispy coating and delicious taste.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Now comes the fun (and slightly messy) part – breading the chicken! We’ll use a three-step breading process to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor adhesion:

1. Flour Dredge: Take a chicken strip and dredge it in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat it completely on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. The flour creates a dry base for the egg wash to stick to.
2. Egg Wash Dip: Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated in egg. Let any excess egg drip off. The egg wash acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the flour-coated chicken.
3. Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, transfer the egg-washed chicken strip to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure a generous and even coating on all sides. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken, making sure they really stick. This is crucial for achieving a thick, crispy crust.

Repeat this breading process for all the chicken strips. As you bread each tender, place it on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that golden brown and crispy exterior.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray. This will prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and help them crisp up nicely on the bottom. For even better crispiness, consider using a wire rack placed inside the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken tenders, promoting even cooking and crisping on all sides. If using a wire rack, also spray it lightly with olive oil spray.

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in soggy tenders instead of crispy ones. If necessary, bake in batches to ensure proper spacing.

Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and adds to the overall crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of a tender.

Halfway through baking, around the 10-12 minute mark, you can flip the chicken tenders gently with tongs. This ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and beautifully crispy, remove them from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful tenders.

Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy. These crispy baked chicken tenders are fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings

Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories

• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 15-25g

(These values are estimates and may vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Prep Time: 25-30 minutes

• This includes the time needed to cut the chicken into tenders, set up the breading stations, and bread the chicken strips. Cutting the chicken and the breading process are the most time-consuming parts of the preparation.

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Baking time in the oven. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the chicken tenders.

Total Time: 45-55 minutes

• From start to finish, you can have delicious, crispy baked chicken tenders ready in under an hour. This makes it a great option for a relatively quick and easy weeknight meal.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

These versatile crispy baked chicken tenders are delicious in so many ways! Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

• Classic Dipping Sauces:
  • Ketchup
  • Honey Mustard
  • Ranch Dressing
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Sweet Chili Sauce
  • Buffalo Sauce
  • Marinara Sauce
  • Homemade Aioli
• Side Dishes for a Complete Meal:
  • French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A classic pairing that everyone loves.
  • Coleslaw: Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.
  • Potato Salad: Another picnic and BBQ favorite that complements chicken tenders well.
  • Mac and Cheese: A comforting and cheesy side dish that kids (and adults!) adore.
  • Corn on the Cob: A summery side dish that adds sweetness and fiber.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus for a healthier option.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Chicken Tender Salad: Slice the tenders and place them on top of a bed of mixed greens with your favorite salad toppings and dressing.
  • Chicken Tender Wraps or Burritos: Wrap the tenders in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your choice of sauce.
  • Chicken Tender Bowls: Create a bowl with a base of rice or quinoa, add chicken tenders, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
  • Chicken Tender Sliders: Serve the tenders on mini slider buns with coleslaw and pickles for a fun appetizer or party snack.
  • Chicken and Waffles (Healthier Version): Pair with whole wheat waffles and a drizzle of maple syrup for a brunch or dinner twist.

Additional Tips for Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Want to take your crispy baked chicken tenders to the next level? Here are 8 essential tips for guaranteed deliciousness:

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko if you want truly crispy tenders. Panko breadcrumbs are larger, lighter, and create a much crispier texture when baked compared to fine breadcrumbs. They are the key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
2. Don’t Skip the Double Breading (Optional, but Recommended for Extra Crispiness): For even MORE crispiness, you can double bread the chicken. After the initial breading process, dip the breaded chicken tender back into the egg wash and then back into the breadcrumb mixture for a second coating. This creates an extra thick and crunchy crust.
3. Season Your Breading Generously: The breadcrumb mixture is where most of the flavor comes from in these tenders. Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste the breadcrumb mixture before you start breading and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add other spices like cayenne pepper for a kick, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
4. Ensure Chicken Tenders are Uniform in Size: Cutting the chicken into uniform strips ensures even cooking. If some pieces are too thick and others too thin, they will cook at different rates, leading to some being overcooked and dry while others are undercooked.
5. Preheat Your Oven Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before you put the chicken tenders in. A hot oven is crucial for achieving crispiness and preventing the chicken from steaming.
6. Use a Wire Rack (If Possible): Baking the chicken tenders on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet is a game-changer for crispiness. The rack allows hot air to circulate all around the tenders, crisping them up evenly on all sides, not just the top.
7. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the chicken tenders space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of bake and crisp, resulting in soggy tenders. If necessary, bake in batches to ensure proper spacing and crispiness.
8. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving: Allowing the baked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven is important. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making them more tender and flavorful. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Q1: How do I get my baked chicken tenders crispy?

A1: The secret to crispy baked chicken tenders lies in using panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a generous and even breadcrumb coating, baking at a high temperature (400°F/200°C), using a wire rack if possible to promote air circulation, and not overcrowding the baking sheet. Spraying the tenders with olive oil spray also helps with browning and crisping.

Q2: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

A2: While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for the best crispiness. Panko is coarser and lighter, resulting in a much crunchier texture when baked. Regular breadcrumbs will still work, but the tenders won’t be quite as crispy.

Q3: Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

A3: Yes, you can easily make these chicken tenders gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, like Italian breadcrumbs (if using), are also certified gluten-free.

Q4: Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

A4: For the best results, it’s recommended to bake and serve the chicken tenders immediately for maximum crispiness. However, you can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time (up to a few hours) and store them, covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Baking them fresh will yield the best texture.

Q5: How do I store leftover baked chicken tenders?

A5: Store leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispiness as they are stored.

Q6: How do I reheat leftover baked chicken tenders to regain some crispiness?

A6: To reheat leftover baked chicken tenders and regain some crispiness, the best method is to reheat them in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tenders for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.

Q7: Can I add different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?

A7: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to your liking. You can add chili powder for a Tex-Mex flavor, Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, ranch seasoning for a classic flavor, or experiment with different dried herbs and spices to create your own signature blend.

Q8: Can I cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer?

A8: Yes, these crispy baked chicken tenders can be easily adapted for the 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 (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through and golden brown and crispy. Air frying often results in even quicker and crispier results compared to oven baking.