Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: A Family Favorite

Hey everyone! Anna Kowalska here. You know, sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that bring the most joy, and that’s exactly what these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are all about. They’re a staple in my kitchen, a real tried-and-true favorite that my family devours every single time. I’m all about sharing recipes made with heart and flavor, and these tenders are no exception. Forget the greasy fried stuff; we’re talking golden-brown, perfectly seasoned chicken strips that are SO much healthier but taste just as amazing. They’re the perfect answer for a busy weeknight dinner or even a fun appetizer when friends come over. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Seriously, these tenders are a total game-changer. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, way healthier than the fried versions, and the flavor is just spot-on. Plus, the kids absolutely adore them! Here’s why they’ll become a go-to in your house too:

• Quick and Easy Preparation: We’re talking minimal fuss here. You just need a few basic pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep time. That’s it!
• Healthy Alternative to Fried: Baking these beauties means you get all that satisfying crunch and flavor without the deep-frying. It’s a win-win for everyone!
• Flavorful and Kid-Approved: The crispy panko and Parmesan coating, plus those yummy spices, make these so irresistibly tasty. They’re always a huge hit, even with the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing tenders. It’s really just a handful of things you probably already have in your pantry and fridge! The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. You can use about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into nice, bite-sized strips, or if you find them, just grab a pound of pre-cut chicken tenders – so easy!

Then we’ve got our coating station. You’ll need two large eggs, just give them a quick whisk until they’re nice and smooth. For that super crispy crust, we’re going with panko breadcrumbs – about a cup of them. Now, here’s a little secret weapon: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s totally optional, but trust me, it adds this incredible savory depth and extra crispiness that takes these tenders over the top. For the seasoning, we’re mixing in garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper right into the panko. It’s like a flavor party in a bowl! And finally, a little spray of olive oil to get everything golden and crunchy.

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pre-cut tenders, sliced into 1-inch strips.

Egg Wash

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth.

Crispy Coating Mixture

1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Finishing Touch

Olive oil spray for coating.

How to Prepare Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s get these delicious tenders into your oven! It’s really straightforward, I promise. First things first, if you’re using chicken breasts, just slice them into strips about an inch wide. If you’ve got tenders already, you’re one step ahead! Now, set up your little assembly line. Grab two bowls. In one, whisk up those two eggs until they’re nice and frothy. In the other bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs, that optional Parmesan cheese (don’t skip it if you can help it!), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give that a good stir so all those yummy spices are evenly distributed.

Pat your chicken strips dry with a paper towel – this helps the coating stick better. Then, take each chicken strip, dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off for a second. Now, dredge it through the panko mixture, pressing gently so those crumbs really cling on. Want extra crispy? Just do that egg-and-breadcrumb dip a second time! It makes a world of difference, trust me.

Next, get your baking sheet ready. I always line mine with parchment paper or a silicone mat – cleanup is a breeze that way! And for the ultimate crispiness, if you have a wire rack, pop that onto the baking sheet. It lets the air circulate all around the tenders. Place your coated chicken strips onto the rack (or directly on the parchment), making sure there’s a little space between each one. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness!

Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, give those tenders a light spritz of olive oil spray. This is the secret to that beautiful golden-brown finish. Pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, give them a flip so they cook evenly on both sides. You’re looking for them to be golden brown and perfectly crisp. The best way to know for sure? Use a meat thermometer – they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once they’re done, pull them out and let them rest on the baking sheet for just a few minutes. This helps them stay nice and juicy inside while staying crisp on the outside. And then? Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces! Honey mustard, BBQ, ranch – whatever your heart desires!

Tips for Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Want to make these tenders *extra* special and perfectly crispy every single time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference. It’s all about setting yourself up for success!

The Role of Panko and Parmesan

Okay, so the panko breadcrumbs are your best friend for crunch. They’re lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, so they get super crisp when baked. And that Parmesan cheese? Oh, it’s not just for flavor! It crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding this amazing golden hue and an extra layer of deliciousness. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

Achieving Even Browning

This is so important! Make sure you give your chicken tenders a little breathing room on the baking sheet. If you cram them all together, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Using a wire rack over the baking sheet is my top tip for this. It lets the hot air circulate all around each tender, ensuring they get beautifully golden and crisp on all sides. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

The Olive Oil Spray Secret

This might seem small, but it’s mighty! Giving the breaded chicken a good, even spray of olive oil before it goes into the oven is key. It helps the panko and Parmesan toast up beautifully, giving you that gorgeous golden-brown color and that irresistible crispy texture that we all love. It’s like giving them a little nudge towards perfection!

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

These crispy baked chicken tenders are so versatile, they really go with almost anything! They’re fantastic on their own, of course, especially with a good dipping sauce. But if you want to round out the meal, I’ve got some ideas that my family loves.

Perfect Pairings

For a really satisfying meal, try serving them alongside some sweet potato fries or classic golden French fries. They’re also great with a big, fresh garden salad to add some lovely crunch and color to your plate. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, some simple steamed broccoli or green beans is always a winner. Honestly, these tenders are so adaptable, they make any meal feel a little bit special! For a lighter side, consider our recipe for chrupiacy kalafior i brokuly z czosnkiem.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These tenders are still pretty darn good the next day, but we want to keep that crispiness, right? So, once they’ve cooled down completely, pop them into an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they’re sealed up tight!

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days this way.

Reheating Methods

Now, about reheating – please, please, *please* don’t use the microwave if you want them crispy! It just makes them sad and soggy. The best way to bring back that golden crunch is to pop them in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. An air fryer is also fantastic for this – just a few minutes at a medium temperature does the trick!

Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Got questions about these amazing tenders? I’ve got you covered! It’s always good to know the little things that make a recipe shine, and these tenders are no different.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

You absolutely can! Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. However, if you’re aiming for that super-duper crispy, golden exterior that we love, panko is definitely the way to go. Panko is lighter and airier, so it gets way crispier when baked. Regular breadcrumbs will give you a nice coating, but it won’t have quite the same crunch factor. Still delicious, though!

How can I ensure my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are juicy?

The key to keeping these tenders juicy is really about not overcooking them! That’s why I always stress using a meat thermometer to check for that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Once they hit that, pull them out. Also, make sure you’re not crowding the baking sheet. Giving them space allows the heat to circulate properly, cooking them evenly and keeping them moist inside. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which is the opposite of what we want!

What are good dipping sauces for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

Oh, the dipping sauces! This is where you can really have some fun. My family’s favorites are always classic honey mustard, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy ranch. For a little something extra, you could even whip up a quick homemade honey mustard by mixing Dijon mustard, honey, and a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar. Ketchup is always a crowd-pleaser too! Basically, anything you love to dip chicken in will be perfect here.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on exactly what you use, especially if you add that yummy Parmesan! But generally, one serving (which is about 4 tenders) will give you around 250 calories, 12g of fat, 25g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates, with about 450mg of sodium. They’re a fantastic, balanced option!

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