Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe: Juicy Comfort Food Magic

Chicken lovers rejoice over these delectable baked chicken tenders that promise a golden, crispy exterior without excessive oil.

These irresistible crispy baked chicken tenders recipe deliver restaurant-quality crunch straight from your home kitchen.

Every bite bursts with incredible flavor and satisfying texture that will make mouths water instantly.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned coating that locks in moisture while creating an addictively crunchy exterior.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques guarantee success for home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll savor each perfectly seasoned, crisp morsel that comes together faster than takeout.

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner with this crowd-pleasing chicken tender sensation.

Crispy Chicken Tenders: Why Try This Version

• Whip up a mouthwatering chicken dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious.
• Easily adapt the seasoning blend to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible and crowd-pleasing.
• Baked instead of fried, these chicken tenders provide a guilt-free alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining an irresistible crispy exterior.
• Guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters with its golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy chicken that appeals to all ages.

What’s In Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender meat that creates a delicious and protein-packed main dish.

• Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds moisture.
• Oil, Lemon Juice: Provide moisture and enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• Parsley, Garlic: Add fresh herbaceous and aromatic notes to the marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, golden exterior with a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor and a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the coating.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps the coating become extra crispy and golden brown.

Gear for Chicken Tenders

• Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls for marinade and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg mixture smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for even baking and crispy results.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps achieve golden, crisp exterior.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken tenders during baking.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming chicken tenders if needed.

Steps for Crunchy Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Flavor Bath

• Egg
• Oil
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge the chicken tenders in this zesty mixture and let them soak up the goodness for 5 minutes while you prep the crispy coating.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Armor

• Breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Transform Chicken Into Crispy Delights

Roll each marinated tender in the seasoned breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to ensure a perfect, even coating.

Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet and give them a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Flip the tenders and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until they’re fully cooked.

For an extra golden crunch, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Let chicken tenders soak in the egg mixture for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness, ensuring each bite is juicy and well-seasoned.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even layer that guarantees maximum crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
• Lightly spritz chicken with cooking spray before and after coating to help breadcrumbs achieve a super crispy, restaurant-style finish without deep frying.
• Keep a close eye during the last 2-3 minutes of broiling to prevent burning, aiming for a perfectly golden-brown crust without drying out the chicken.

Chicken Tender Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add cayenne pepper and ground cumin to the coating mix, then serve with a tangy chipotle dipping sauce for extra heat.
• Greek-Inspired Herb Tenders: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta and add dried oregano and mint to the breadcrumb mixture, creating a Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and replace egg with a mustard-yogurt marinade to maintain moisture and reduce carbohydrates.

Chicken Tenders: Serving Ideas

• Dip and Drizzle Delight: Serve with zesty ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for an explosion of flavors that complement the crispy chicken.
• Family Platter Paradise: Arrange tenders on a large wooden board with colorful side salads, roasted vegetables, or crisp french fries for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Sandwich Sensation: Slice tenders and stuff inside soft brioche buns with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a creamy spread for a mouthwatering lunch or dinner option.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Stack tenders on a platter with toothpicks, surround with dipping sauces, and watch them disappear during sports gatherings or movie nights.

Saving Chicken Tenders for Later

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal texture and flavor when properly sealed.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring some original crispiness.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken tenders stay juicy?

Marinate the chicken in the egg mixture for 5 minutes before coating. This helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor to the meat, preventing it from drying out during baking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.

• What can I do if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace Parmesan with other hard cheeses like grated pecorino or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor. If you don’t have any cheese, just increase the seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade crispy baked chicken tenders elevate weeknight dinners with golden, crunchy perfection. Seasoned breadcrumbs and a simple baking technique ensure you savor restaurant-quality flavor without excess oil.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredient:

• 28 ounces (794 grams) chicken tenders

Marinade:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon (4 grams) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) cracked pepper

Breading Mixture:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) regular breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) mild paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking egg, oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Submerge chicken tenders in the mixture and let them absorb the flavors for 5 minutes.
3. Craft a crispy coating by blending breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
4. Thoroughly coat each marinated chicken tender in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick layer of crumbs. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly mist with cooking spray.
5. Bake the chicken tenders for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
6. For an extra golden and crispy exterior, activate the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Choose chicken tenders of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness across all pieces.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the egg mixture and breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add extra flavor by incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg