Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

why make this recipe

Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried options. They are easy to make, crispy, and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them as a main dish or serve them as a snack. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your taste.

how to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Olive oil spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up a breading station: place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
3. Season flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Dredge chicken strips in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

how to serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Serve the chicken tenders warm, alongside your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch. They make a great dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. You can also pair them with a salad or some vegetables for a complete meal.

how to store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, bake them in the oven or use an air fryer until warmed through.

tips to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

• For extra crunch, try adding grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer spicier tenders, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture.
• Make sure the chicken strips are not too thick to ensure they cook evenly.

variation

You can switch up the seasonings based on your taste. Try using Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or even a bit of smoked paprika for a different flavor. You can also substitute chicken breast with turkey or even use veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can crush crackers, cornflakes, or even use panko for a different texture.

Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Delicious and healthier baked chicken tenders that are easy to make, crispy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a meal or snack, customizable with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch.
• 1/2 cup flour All-purpose flour works well.
• 2 large eggs, beaten Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better coating.
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• as needed Olive oil spray For lightly spraying the tenders.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up a breading station: place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
3. Season flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Dredge chicken strips in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil.

Cooking

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.

Serving

1. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs. Try spicier tenders by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture. Ensure chicken strips are not too thick for even cooking.