why make this recipe
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a fantastic way to enjoy a well-loved favorite in a healthier way. By baking instead of frying, you cut down on grease while still keeping that crispy texture we all crave. These tenders are not only easy to make, but they’re also a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite spices and sauces!
how to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Serve your chicken tenders while they’re hot and crispy. They go great with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. You can also serve them alongside some fresh veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
how to store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the oven to retain their crispiness or microwave them briefly.
tips to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in your favorite sauce for 30 minutes before breading.
- Experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture to tailor the taste to your liking.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; this helps the tenders crisp up better.
variation
You can easily make these tenders gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Additionally, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for added richness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading.
Can I bake these chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook them for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
What can I serve with chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides such as fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil For spritzing or drizzling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Serving
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.