Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up a batch of homemade baked chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. This recipe is not only simple to make but also wholesome and a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. Perfect for a family dinner, game day snacks, or even as a fun cooking project with the kids, these chicken tenders will have everyone coming back for more. What makes them special is the ease of preparation and the flexibility to customize them with your favorite seasonings and dips.
These chicken tenders are sure to impress with their delightful crunch and savory taste. They bake beautifully in the oven, allowing you to enjoy the indulgence of crispy chicken without all the extra oil. Whether served with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce, this dish has something for everyone. It’s a great way to bring comfort food to your table while still keeping it light and nutritious.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
A close-up view of the ingredients ready for preparation.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Create a breading station: in one dish, add the flour; in another, beat the eggs; and in a third, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour first, ensuring it is well-coated, then into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture to achieve a nice crunch.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: Almond flour or crushed cornflakes can be used instead of regular flour or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Optional variations: Try adding your favorite herbs, like dried thyme or oregano, to the breadcrumb mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Storage or reheating tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until crispy again.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
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Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour Can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free option.
- 2 large eggs Beaten.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil For spraying or drizzling.
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Create a breading station: in one dish, add the flour; in another, beat the eggs; and in a third, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the flour first, ensuring it is well-coated, then into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
