Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Everyone loves a good chicken tender. They are juicy, crispy, and full of flavor. Making homemade baked chicken tenders is easier than you think. This recipe will help you create a healthy version of the classic favorite. You will enjoy making and eating these tenders. They are great for kids and adults alike. Let’s dive right into this delicious recipe.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade baked chicken tenders are not just tasty; they are also a healthier option than their fried counterparts. When you bake chicken instead of frying, you use less oil. This means fewer calories and less fat. You can enjoy your favorite comfort food without the guilt. Another great thing about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients. You might already have most of them in your kitchen.
Baked chicken tenders are also very versatile. You can serve them with various dips, sides, or even in salads. Kids love them, and they make for a perfect snack for parties too. When you make them at home, you can control the spices and ingredients, ensuring they suit your taste and dietary needs.
With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious tenders. They are great for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings. Best of all, they take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish. This recipe provides a healthy, easy, and enjoyable meal option that everyone will love.
How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Now that you know why making homemade baked chicken tenders is a fantastic idea, let’s discuss how to make them. Follow the simple steps below for delicious, crispy tenders.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because it helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. This mixture will create a crunchy coating for your chicken.
Dip each chicken strip first in the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered in breadcrumbs. This will help create that delicious crispy texture when baked.
Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep some space between each strip so they cook evenly. Parchment paper also helps prevent sticking.
Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with olive oil. A little oil will help the tenders turn golden brown and crispy.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway. This helps both sides get crispy and evenly cooked. You can check if the chicken is done by cutting into one strip. The meat should be white and no longer pink.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. You can enjoy ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or any sauce you like with your chicken tenders.
How to Serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Serving homemade baked chicken tenders is simple. They are great on their own but can also be paired with various sides. Here are some ideas:
With Dipping Sauces: As mentioned, chicken tenders are best served with your favorite sauces. Some popular options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce. You can even have a variety of sauces for different flavors.
With Sides: Consider serving chicken tenders with side dishes such as fresh vegetables, a simple salad, or your favorite fries. For a healthier option, you can serve steamed veggies or a fruit salad.
In Wraps or Sandwiches: If you want a more filling meal, use the chicken tenders in wraps or sandwiches. Add some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a tasty meal.
On a Platter: If you’re hosting a gathering or a party, place the tenders on a large platter. Arrange them neatly and include different sauces for an appealing presentation.
Whatever way you choose to serve them, your homemade baked chicken tenders are sure to be a hit!
How to Store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers (which is often unlikely because they are so tasty), here’s how to store them:
In the Refrigerator: Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze baked chicken tenders. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When you are ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Here are a few tips to enhance the flavor and texture of your chicken tenders:
Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in your favorite marinade for a few hours or overnight before coating them.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They will give a lovely crispy coating.
Add Spices: Feel free to add more spices to the breadcrumb mixture. For example, cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick, or Italian seasoning can bring in different flavors.
Try Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different types of cheese. For instance, using shredded mozzarella can add a different flavor profile to your chicken.
Air Fryer or Oven: If you have an air fryer, you can use it to make these tenders even crispier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a couple of variations you can try:
Buffalo Chicken Tenders: After baking, toss the tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Serve them with blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders: Mix together honey and soy sauce, then brush it on the chicken tenders before baking for a sweet and savory twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. However, make sure to fully thaw them before cutting and preparing.
2. How can I make these tenders gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones. Additionally, ensure that any sauces used are also gluten-free.
3. How can I make baked chicken tenders spicy?
You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Now you have everything you need to make delicious homemade baked chicken tenders. Enjoy making and eating this dish with your family and friends!
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because it helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered in breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep some space between each strip.
- Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway to ensure both sides get crispy.
- Check if the chicken is done by cutting into one strip; the meat should be white and no longer pink.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.