Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade baked chicken tenders. They not only satisfy a craving for something crispy and delicious but also provide a healthier alternative to fried options. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden finish, these tenders are a delightful addition to family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a busy weeknight meal. What makes this dish truly special is how easy it is to prepare, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones rather than stressing over complicated cooking methods.

Whether you’re serving them with a side of veggies for a well-rounded meal or tossing them into a salad for a tasty lunch, these chicken tenders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll find that creating this delightful dish is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Get ready to indulge in tender, flavorful bites that are bound to become a family favorite!

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 grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Gather your ingredients for a delightful homemade experience.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and the last for the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. You can also use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
• Optional Variations: Try adding different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian herbs or Cajun spices, to customize the flavor. Consider serving with a variety of dipping sauces, like honey mustard or ranch.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain their crispiness.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Baked Chicken Tenders

350kcal

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Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 20 minutes mins

Total 35 minutes mins

A healthier alternative to fried chicken, these homemade baked chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Servings 4 servings

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
• ▢ 1 cup breadcrumbs Can substitute with gluten-free options.
• ▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp paprika
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 2 large eggs, beaten
• ▢ 1/2 cup flour
• ▢ Cooking spray or olive oil For extra crispiness.

Method

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Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and the last for the breadcrumb mixture.

Breading

1. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Baking

1. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

Serving

1. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories350kcalCarbohydrates30gProtein35gFat12gSaturated Fat4gSodium600mgFiber2gSugar1g

Notes

For gluten-free options, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Consider serving with various dipping sauces, like honey mustard or ranch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

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