Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of crispy, golden-brown Baked Chicken Tenders. It’s an evening where family members gather around, excited for a delightful dinner filled with love and memories. This recipe is a true family favorite, encapsulating the essence of shared meals and heartfelt conversation. What makes it unique is the delicate balance between the tender, juicy chicken and the crispy breadcrumb coating, with the slight zing of spices making every bite a treat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these homemade tenders are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to their fried counterparts. Let’s bring our family closer, one bite at a time!
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in a shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another dish, and mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
- Dip each chicken tender in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
- Finally, roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip the tenders over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch.
Helpful Tips
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Add a teaspoon of dried herbs (like oregano or parsley) to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
Pairings
- Serve these tenders with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with homemade potato wedges and a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea.
At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into heartfelt meals. We hope you love these Baked Chicken Tenders as much as we do. Try this recipe, and share your delicious results with us! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, spreading the love of home-cooked meals. For more delicious recipes, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. Let’s cook, create, and celebrate together!
