Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
These Easy Baked Chicken Tenders offer the perfect balance of crispy, golden coating and tender, juicy chicken, all without the need for frying. With a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, they’re lighter but just as satisfying.
Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, these tenders are bursting with flavor in every bite. The oven-baking method ensures that each piece is cooked to perfection, giving you a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
For an extra crispy finish, a quick broil at the end seals the deal. Whether served as a snack or a main dish, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders: Ingredients
Panko breadcrumbs form the irresistible, crunchy coating, delivering a satisfying crispness that holds up beautifully in the oven. Garlic and onion powder infuse the chicken with a savory depth, while paprika adds a smoky warmth.
Kosher salt and black pepper season each bite perfectly, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken. A simple egg wash helps the breadcrumbs adhere, ensuring a golden, crispy finish.
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
These crispy, oven-baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to the fried version, offering all the crunch and flavor without the guilt. With a simple yet flavorful seasoning blend and a perfectly crisp panko coating, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack, they’re sure to impress.
Recipe Tips
- For Extra Crunch: If you want even more crunch, try placing the chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet instead of directly on the foil. This allows the heat to circulate more evenly, giving the tenders an extra crisp texture on all sides.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For tender, juicy chicken with a deep flavor, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least an hour before coating them in the breadcrumbs. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while infusing a rich flavor that complements the seasonings.
- Watch the Broiling Time: Broiling is key to achieving that perfect golden crunch. However, keep a close eye on the tenders when broiling, as they can burn quickly. Broil for just 1-2 minutes, or until you see a beautiful crisp exterior.
What to Serve with Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These baked sweet potato fries are the perfect complement to the chicken tenders. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory chicken, and their crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the tenders. Plus, they’re an easy, healthier alternative to regular fries.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a creamy dressing makes an excellent side dish to this crispy chicken. The cool, tangy crunch of the slaw contrasts nicely with the warm, crunchy tenders, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, tossed in garlic and parmesan, add an earthy, savory side to the tenders. Their slight caramelization enhances the flavors and makes for a well-rounded meal.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips or small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly, similar to tenders.
- Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the same crispy effect.
- Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk is a great way to ensure the chicken is extra tender and flavorful. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before coating in breadcrumbs.
- How can I make the tenders spicier? For a kick of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for the perfect level of heat.
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 skinless boneless chicken tenders, cut into ½-inch strips
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- reheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg and set it aside. In a large zip-top freezer bag, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Take the chicken strips and dip them into the beaten egg, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Next, place the egg-covered chicken strips into the panko mixture and shake the bag to coat them fully with the breadcrumb blend. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray each chicken tender with cooking spray to enhance crispness during baking.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Flip them over and continue baking for an additional 7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Adjust the oven rack to about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
- Broil the chicken tenders for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve an extra crispy finish.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven, serve immediately, and enjoy.
