Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken, you’ve come to the right place! These Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a favorite in my home. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a tasty snack.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that not only pleases the palate but also makes your kitchen smell divine. Whether served with honey mustard or BBQ sauce, these chicken tenders will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious tenders ready in no time.
• Healthy Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these tenders are lighter but still packed with flavor.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these crunchy bites—perfect for any meal!
• Versatile Dipping Options: Pair them with your favorite sauces for added excitement at the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and store them; they reheat beautifully for quick lunches or snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some straightforward ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They’re wholesome and perfect for creating those crispy baked chicken tenders we all crave!

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into strips
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray for coating

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey tenders or even tofu strips for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
• Add a crunch: Mix in crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios into the breadcrumb mixture for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: Toss in some chili powder or use spicy breadcrumbs for an added kick.

How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Chicken & Seasoning Mix

Start by patting the chicken strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better. In one shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs. In another shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Now comes the fun part! Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg first, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off before moving on to dredge it in the Panko mixture. Press down firmly to ensure an even and thick coating on all sides—this will give your tenders that lovely crunch!

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place an oven-safe wire rack on top if you’d like extra crispiness (it’s totally optional!). Arrange your breaded chicken tenders on the rack (or directly on parchment paper), ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray; this will help them turn golden brown while baking.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, bake those beautiful chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes before carefully flipping each one over. Continue baking for another 8-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through—aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Enjoy these warm with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce—the possibilities are endless!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Making these chicken tenders at home is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious every time!

• Use Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, giving your tenders that perfect golden texture.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: The blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper adds depth of flavor. Seasoning your breadcrumbs well ensures that every bite is packed with taste.

• Space them out on the baking sheet: Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around each tender, leading to even cooking and extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding for the best results!

• Flip halfway through baking: Turning the tenders halfway through ensures they brown evenly on both sides and helps achieve that sought-after crunch.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.

How to Serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

These homemade baked chicken tenders are perfect for sharing! Whether you’re serving them as a family meal or at a gathering, there are plenty of creative ways to present this dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and a pop of color to your plate.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze that brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also add a healthy twist. Their natural sweetness complements the savory chicken perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the warm tenders. It’s light yet satisfying!
• Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that’s easy to prepare. The bright green broccoli adds color and balances out the meal with its mild flavor.
• Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette makes for a hearty addition that pairs wonderfully with chicken tenders.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders will be an absolute hit at any table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These homemade baked chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave, but this may affect the crispiness. Heat on medium power in short intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making homemade baked chicken tenders!

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders?

Yes! While Panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. Just ensure they’re seasoned if you prefer extra flavor.

How do I ensure my Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders come out crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to pat the chicken strips dry before breading and use an oven-safe wire rack if possible. Lightly spraying them with olive oil also helps!

Can I make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal for a delicious alternative.

What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders?

These tenders go wonderfully with honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a zesty lemon aioli!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these homemade baked chicken tenders as much as I do! They’re not only simple to prepare but also deliver that satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. Perfect for family dinners or quick snacks during the week! I’d love to hear how yours turn out—happy cooking!

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