Crunchy Golden Chicken Tenders: A Kid-Approved Recipe
Chicken tenders seasoned with crispy oven baked chicken tenders recipe magic always steal the show at dinner tables.
These golden-brown delights promise a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites.
Every bite delivers a perfect crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
The secret lies in a simple blend of spices and a clever baking technique.
No greasy mess means less cleanup and more enjoyment.
You can easily whip up these tender, irresistible morsels in under 30 minutes.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
Why Oven Baked Tenders Are So Crispy
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tenders
Main Protein:Breading Components:Wet Ingredients:Seasoning Blend:Cooking Additives:Baking Chicken Tenders Made Simple
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface
Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep those tenders from sticking.
Step 2: Create Breading Stations
Set up three shallow dishes for your chicken transformation:Pro move: If using panko, pulse it briefly in a food processor to create a finer texture that hugs the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Coat Chicken Tenders
Take each tender on a flavor journey:Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray to boost crispiness.
Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
They’re ready when the exterior turns golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Step 5: Serve and Devour
Transfer those gorgeous tenders to a plate and dive in with your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy the crunch!
Smart Tips for Crunchy Chicken Tenders
Storing Crispy Chicken Tenders
Best Dips for Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tender Flavor Variants
FAQs
The key is using panko breadcrumbs, spraying with cooking oil before baking, and baking at a high temperature of 400°F. Giving panko a quick pulse in a food processor helps it stick better to the chicken.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like dried thyme, oregano, or even add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
You can crush panko breadcrumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Simply place the breadcrumbs in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush until they’re fine.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the tender.
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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy oven baked chicken tenders emerge as a golden-brown delight, promising healthier comfort without sacrificing flavor. Crunch meets lean protein in this simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders
Coating Components:
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (100 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F. Arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating to prevent adherence.
- Create three separate preparation zones using shallow containers. Populate the first with flour, the second with whisked eggs and milk, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs incorporating garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Consider pulsing panko crumbs in a food processor for enhanced coating adhesion.
- Transform each chicken tender through a methodical coating process. First, dust thoroughly with flour, removing excess. Submerge completely in egg mixture, then meticulously press into seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Position each coated tender systematically on prepared baking surface.
- Enhance exterior crispness by applying a delicate cooking spray across tender surfaces. Roast for 18-20 minutes, implementing a midpoint rotation. Confirm doneness through golden exterior coloration and internal temperature reaching 165°F when measured at the thickest section.
- Immediately transfer perfectly crisp tenders to serving plate. Accompany with preferred dipping condiments for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize breadcrumb blend by mixing panko with crushed cornflakes or pretzels for extra crunch and unique texture.
- Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising crispy exterior.
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to ensure maximum coating adherence and prevent soggy results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Schoolcraft College
With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.