Baked Chicken Tenders

Introduction:
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Baked Chicken Tenders! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tender chicken strips are coated in a flavorful, crunchy breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family-friendly snack, this recipe is both easy to make and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, for a lighter take on chicken tenders.
• Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly seasoned and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients for a hassle-free meal.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, great for dipping or as a main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10-12 tenders)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

1. Prepare the Breading Stations:

• Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

1. Coat the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off the excess.
• Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Coat the tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet:

• Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time for even crispness.

1. Serve:

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for Success:

• Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy coating, use Panko breadcrumbs and spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.
• Even Cooking: Ensure the tenders are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet to cook evenly.
• Flavor Variations: Adjust the seasoning to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, for varied flavors.
• Parmesan Substitute: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a different taste.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
• Pair with a side of fresh veggies, a simple salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Special Equipment:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken tenders.
• Shallow Dishes: For breading the tenders.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

FAQ:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
  Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and baking instructions.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare and bread the tenders ahead of time, then bake them when ready. Alternatively, you can bake them and reheat as needed.
• Can I bake these from frozen?
  For best results, thaw the tenders before baking. However, you can bake from frozen; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for prepping and breading the chicken.

Cook Time:

• 15-20 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 30-35 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Baked Chicken Tenders

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10–12 tenders)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
• Prepare the Breading Stations:
  • Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Coat the Chicken:
  • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Coat the tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
• Arrange on Baking Sheet:
  • Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time for even crispness.
• Serve:
  • Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 30g

Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Baked Chicken Tenders? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your crispy chicken tenders and check back for more tasty and healthy recipes.