Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Craving crispy baked chicken tenders? This easy recipe is healthier than fried & ready in 35 mins! A perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love. Get the recipe now! ... Quick & Wholesome
Recipe Introduction: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Fancy some proper easy dinner snacks ? remember those chicken dippers we loved as kids? well, guess what? we're levelling them up! these baked chicken tenders are unbelievably crispy and delicious.
Honestly, you won't believe they're not fried. think of them as a hug on a plate!
This recipe is about bringing that childhood joy to the table. Ditching the guilt and embracing the deliciousness. So, let's face it: chicken tenders are universally loved!
What's the Deal? A Wholesome Take on Chicken Tenderloin Recipes For Dinner
These aren't your average processed nuggets. Our easy homemade chicken tenders are made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
We're talking about homemade goodness, right in your own kitchen! this recipe isn't about reinventing the wheel, but more about making it spin faster with less effort.
It's very simple dinner ideas at their finest.
Quick Easy Weeknight Meals That Are Actually Healthy-ish
This recipe originated from a need for speed and health! it's a perfect solution for busy weeknights. it delivers a comforting classic without the added grease.
The inspiration came from my own hectic schedule of trying to find something that pleases the whole family.
This easy recipe serves four hungry people. It only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. That includes 15 minutes of prep time and 20- 25 minutes in the oven.
Dinners With Chicken Tenderloins : Crispy, Crunchy, and Packed With Protein
These tenders are a fantastic source of protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal. i can tell you first hand that they are are perfect served with a side of roasted vegetables, they become a well-rounded dinner.
Baked rather than fried makes the recipe a fantastic addition to a balanced diet. They are not only yummy, but also much healthier than take-out ones!
These baked chicken tenders are special because of their crispy coating. we use panko breadcrumbs and a secret blend of spices to achieve that perfect crunch.
It is perfect for kids' birthday parties or a casual saturday night dinner. you are the next the cooking foodie recipes star!
Okay, enough chit-chat. Let's gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these seriously tasty baked chicken tenders . honestly, getting the right ingredients and tools makes all the difference.
This is how we make easy homemade chicken tenders .
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Let's gather our bits and bobs. Here's the list for the most delicious baked chicken tenders ever. These easy healthy chicken tender recipes are a winner.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) strips. The chicken should be firm and pink, not grey or slimy. Trust your nose, yeah? Fresh is key. Perfect for dinners with chicken tenderloins .
- Egg Wash: 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or buttermilk, 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper . Whisk it all together. You can use regular milk, or even better, buttermilk if you have it. It gives it a nice tang.
- Coating: 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) paprika, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Panko is a must! It's what makes them super crispy.
Seasoning Notes
Seasoning is where the magic happens. Honestly, don't skimp on these.
- Essential spice combinations: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are your base. They bring warmth and depth.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Parmesan cheese is crucial. That salty, umami flavour is just divine.
- Quick substitution options: Don't have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano will do the trick. Fancy a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? Very simple dinner ideas start with basic tools.
- Large mixing bowl for the egg wash.
- Shallow dish or pie plate for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. This stops them from sticking.
- Meat thermometer (optional). Honestly, it's worth it to make sure the chicken is safe to eat.
You could use a plate instead of a dish. A roasting tin works instead of a baking sheet. We aim for quick easy weeknight meals , remember?
The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Now you have all the ingredients needed for creating chicken tenderloin recipes for dinner , even some of the cooking foodie recipes ! these easy dinner snacks will be a hit, i promise.
Now get baking!
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders : Healthier Than Fried, Just As Good!
Honestly, who doesn't love chicken tenders? but the fried ones? urgh . so greasy! these baked chicken tenders give you all the satisfying crunch without the guilt.
This is one of those easy dinner snacks that everyone will go bonkers for. it's easy homemade chicken tenders oven style, baby!
Prep Like a Pro
Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your mise en place sorted. that basically means have everything ready to go.
Chop your 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. grab your 1 large egg , 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk , 1 teaspoon (5ml) dijon mustard and spices.
For the coating, get the panko breadcrumbs , parmesan , flour and spices prepped. this is a total game changer for time-saving organization tips .
Don't forget safety! make sure your cutting board is stable and wash your hands after handling raw chicken!
Let's Get Baking: The Step-By-Step
Alright, listen up! This is how you make these chicken tenderloin recipes for dinner magic happen:
- Cut chicken into strips. Aim for about 1-inch thick.
- Whisk together 1 large egg , 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk , 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper in a bowl.
- In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs , 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese , 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder , 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) paprika and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil .
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lay the easy healthy chicken tender recipes out on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Flip halfway through. You want them golden brown and the internal temperature to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let them rest for a minute or two before serving!
Pro Tips for Perfect Tenders!
Honestly, these tips will take your tenders from good to amazing . want to try very simple dinner ideas ? pat the chicken dry before coating.
The breadcrumbs will stick better, promise! don't overcrowd the baking sheet - this steams the chicken, not bakes it. and if you're prepping ahead, coat the chicken and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
These are great for quick easy weeknight meals . i had to learn some tips from the cooking foodie recipes .
So there you have it: your new go-to dinners with chicken tenderloins . Crispy, flavorful, and way healthier than the fried stuff. Get baking!
Alright, let's talk about making these baked chicken tenders even better! honestly, it's all about the little things. and trust me, i've made my fair share of, ahem, less-than-perfect chicken tenders in my time.
Let's dive into some recipe notes .
Serving Up Deliciousness
Plating Like a Pro
So, you've got these golden brown beauties fresh out of the oven. how do you make them look as good as they taste? first things first: don't just dump them on a plate! a little arrangement goes a long way.
Fan them out slightly. garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you'll feel like the cooking foodie recipes you like.
It's the little things, you know?
Sides That Sing
These baked chicken tenders are pretty versatile. for a classic, stick with ketchup or honey mustard. but if you're feeling fancy, try a homemade aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.
And don't forget the sides! roasted broccoli, sweet potato fries, or even just a simple salad will turn this into a complete meal.
For the adults, a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc is perfect. these would also make great easy dinner snacks !
Keeping Things Fresh
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? No worries. Let the chicken tenderloin recipes for dinner cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for about 3-4 days.
Freezing for Future You
Want to meal prep? these freeze like a dream. arrange the cooked and cooled easy homemade chicken tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to 3 months. to reheat them straight from the freezer, bake on baking sheet, until it is at the correct internal temperature.
Reheating Right
Reheating can be tricky. to keep them crispy, i recommend reheating in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 10- 15 minutes.
Avoid the microwave if you can – it makes them soggy! remember, we want crispy, not rubbery. think of it as bringing your easy healthy chicken tender recipes back to life.
Remixing the Recipe
Dietary Tweaks
Need a gluten-free option? easy! just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. also, ensure the breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
For a lower-carb version, try almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. honestly, there are so many possibilities.
Seasonal Swaps
Spice things up! In the summer, try adding some lemon zest and fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. In the fall, a pinch of pumpkin spice adds a cozy touch.
Nutritional Nitty-Gritty
Quick Stats
Each serving of these baked chicken tenders clocks in at around 450 calories. you're getting a whopping 45g of protein.
We also get about 20g of fat, and 20g of carbs. of course, this is just an estimate.
Health Perks
These are so much better for you than the fried version. less fat, same great taste. chicken is also a great source of lean protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
A great choice for very simple dinner ideas , right?
So there you have it! with these tips and tricks, you'll be whipping up the homemade chicken tenders oven version that your family will adore every time.
And remember, cooking should be fun! don't be afraid to experiment and make these tenders your own. get in the kitchen, have a laugh, and enjoy the process of making delicious food.
These quick easy weeknight meals are about to become a staple!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my baked chicken tenders are crispy, not soggy?
Getting crispy baked chicken tenders is all about managing moisture! First, pat your chicken strips dry with paper towels before coating them. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each tender room to breathe so they bake instead of steam. Panko breadcrumbs are your best mate here, offering a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. You can also try baking them on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet for even crispier results, a bit like what you might see on "The Great British Bake Off" – even bottoms get crispy!
Can I prepare the baked chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken tenders up to a day in advance. Just coat them and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover tightly with cling film and store in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then pop them straight into the oven. Doing this will help you get dinner on the table even faster during a busy week, saving you precious minutes, similar to a time-saving recipe hack from "This Morning."
What are some good dipping sauces for baked chicken tenders?
The possibilities are endless! For a classic pairing, you can't go wrong with ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Ranch dressing is another popular choice, especially with kids. For something a bit more adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo, a creamy avocado dip, or even a tangy sweet chili sauce. Ultimately, the best dipping sauce is the one you enjoy most – feel free to experiment and find your perfect match, much like choosing your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea!
How long do baked chicken tenders last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover baked chicken tenders will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored properly. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they will lose some of their crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make gluten-free baked chicken tenders?
Yes, absolutely! To make gluten-free baked chicken tenders, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the coating with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, double-check that your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. There are plenty of great gluten-free panko options available these days. This ensures everyone can enjoy this tasty dish, regardless of dietary needs – a win-win situation for a family feast, just like a well-catered street party during a Royal celebration!
Are baked chicken tenders a healthy option? What's the nutritional information like?
Compared to their fried counterparts, baked chicken tenders are definitely a healthier choice! Baking significantly reduces the amount of added fat. This recipe uses lean chicken breast and avoids deep-frying, making it a relatively good source of protein. Each serving is roughly around 450 calories, 45g of protein, 20g of fat, and 20g of carbs, but remember this is just an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. You can further reduce the fat content by using a cooking spray instead of olive oil for the breadcrumb mixture. It's a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food without completely throwing your healthy eating habits out the window – a bit like having a cheeky Nando's without the guilt!
