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These crispy baked chicken tenders are my family’s goto for a quick and delicious dinner that everyone loves. They come together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients, and the breading turns out perfectly crunchy without any greasy mess. Whether for a weeknight meal or a snack, these chicken tenders hit the spot every time.
My kids grew up loving these chicken tenders and now my own family enjoys the exact recipe that brings back such warm memories. It's become our classic comfort food that everyone requests often.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts: the star protein, fresh and juicy
- Flour: helps the coating stick for a crisp shell, use allpurpose or whole wheat for added nutrition
- Seasoned salt: adds necessary flavor to every layer, choose a blend that complements poultry well
- Eggs: provide moisture and help the breading stick, fresh eggs work best
- Panko bread crumbs: the key to that restaurantstyle crunch, look for Japanese panko for lightness and crispiness
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray: to lightly coat for baking crispiness without excess fat
- Note: Give your chicken pieces a good trim before breading removing any tendons or fat to ensure tenderness.
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- N/A for this recipe
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes. In one dish, combine flour and seasoned salt. In the second, whisk eggs with a pinch more seasoned salt. In the third, mix panko bread crumbs with seasoned salt to season every layer.
- Trim and Prep Chicken:
- Remove tendons or any white strings from chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts into 1inch strips. This step prevents chewy bites and ensures an even cook.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Coat each chicken strip evenly by first dredging in the seasoned flour. Next, dip them in the egg mixture making sure they are fully coated. Finally press them into the seasoned panko bread crumbs using your hands to ensure good adhesion and crispiness.
- Arrange for Baking:
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows air to flow all around the tenders so each side crisps up evenly without flipping.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pair with your choice of dips such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce, and serve alongside a simple salad or crunchy baked fries for a complete meal.
My favorite ingredient here is the panko bread crumbs. Their texture lifts this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary. A fond memory with this dish is sitting around the table when I first made them for my kids. Watching those crispy tenders disappear with big smiles cemented this recipe’s place in our family weekly rotation.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders on a parchmentlined sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezersafe container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness avoid microwaving as the coating will become soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Whole wheat flour and panko breadcrumbs can replace their white counterparts to add more fiber and nutrients. For glutenfree options use a 1to1 glutenfree flour blend and glutenfree breadcrumbs. If you need an egg substitute, try using buttermilk, plain Greek yogurt, or even mustard to help the breading stick.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders go perfectly with homemade dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ. Serve them alongside baked fries or a crisp fruit salad for a kidfriendly meal. They are also delicious chopped and tossed over a salad or served in a sandwich with coleslaw and honey for extra flavor.
These crispy baked chicken tenders are quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. They are easy to customize and great for feeding a crowd.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of bread crumbs work best?
Panko bread crumbs provide a light, crispy texture similar to restaurant-style tenders. Traditional bread crumbs can be used but won't be as crunchy.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Baking the tenders on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even crispiness without drying out the meat.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and regular panko with gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for suitable results.
- → What are some good dipping sauces to serve?
Popular options include homemade ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, bang bang sauce, and sweet chili sauce to complement the crispy tenders.
- → Is there an egg-free alternative for breading?
Moist options such as buttermilk, plain Greek yogurt, or mustard can replace eggs to help the breading adhere effectively.