Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Making homemade baked chicken tenders is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s an experience filled with joy and warmth. These crispy, golden delights are a family favorite, beloved for their tender, juicy meat and the satisfying crunch of the golden breadcrumb coating. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner, serving them at a party, or even packing them for a school lunch, chicken tenders are a dish that brings smiles around the table. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor!
Your loved ones will adore these tenders for how easy they are to make and how they effortlessly pair with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to creamy mashed potatoes. Plus, the thrill of breading chicken gives everyone in the family a chance to help out in the kitchen—turning dinner into a fun, collaborative activity. So, let’s dive into this recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
An enticing plate of freshly baked chicken tenders ready for serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Gather your ingredients for an easy and rewarding cooking experience.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Take each chicken strip and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil for a crispier finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber or swap in almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Optional variations: Add herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor, or try using different spices like cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Storage or reheating tips: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain their crispiness.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use whole wheat for added fiber if desired.
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil For a crispier finish.
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Take each chicken strip and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil for a crispier finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite dipping sauces!