why make this recipe
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal. They are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and are so easy to make! Unlike store-bought versions, they are free from preservatives and can be made exactly how you like them. Plus, they are great for kids and adults alike!
how to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
how to serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are perfect for serving with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They make an excellent appetizer for parties or a fun snack for movie nights.
how to store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
To store leftover Chicken Tenders, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
tips to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices to the breadcrumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- If you want a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or try omitting the flour step.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
HOMEMADE BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS ARE SUPER VERSATILE, WHICH MAKES THEM PERFECT FOR BUSY FAMILIES AND PICKY EATERS. YOU CAN KEEP THEM MILD AND SIMPLE FOR KIDS OR ADD EXTRA SPICES FOR ADULTS WHO LIKE MORE FLAVOR. THEY WORK GREAT FOR MEAL PREP TOO — BAKE A BIG BATCH, THEN REHEAT THEM DURING THE WEEK FOR QUICK LUNCHES, DINNERS, OR SNACKS. SERVE THEM IN WRAPS, ON TOP OF SALADS, OR INSIDE SANDWICHES FOR EASY, PROTEIN-PACKED MEALS WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT.
variation
You can experiment with different proteins like turkey or shrimp using the same method. Additionally, consider using different marinades or seasonings to match your flavor preferences.
FAQs
CAN I USE FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST?
YES, YOU CAN USE FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST, BUT IT MUST BE THAWED COMPLETELY BEFORE CUTTING AND COATING. THIS ENSURES THE CHICKEN COOKS EVENLY AND REACHES A SAFE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE. FOR BEST RESULTS, THAW IT OVERNIGHT IN THE REFRIGERATOR, THEN PAT IT DRY WITH PAPER TOWELS BEFORE SLICING INTO STRIPS.
CAN I BAKE THESE TENDERS INSTEAD OF FRYING?
YES, THIS RECIPE IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR BAKING, WHICH MAKES IT A LIGHTER AND HEALTHIER OPTION COMPARED TO FRYING. BAKING STILL GIVES YOU A NICE CRISPY COATING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE PANKO BREADCRUMBS AND A LIGHT SPRAY OF OIL. IF YOU WANT THEM EXTRA CRISPY, YOU CAN PLACE THE TENDERS ON A WIRE RACK SET OVER THE BAKING SHEET SO THE HEAT CIRCULATES ALL AROUND.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THESE CHICKEN TENDERS?
THESE TENDERS GO WELL WITH MANY SIDES, SO YOU CAN ADAPT THEM TO ANY MEAL. CLASSIC OPTIONS INCLUDE FRIES, POTATO WEDGES, OR MAC AND CHEESE FOR A COMFORT-FOOD DINNER. FOR A LIGHTER PLATE, SERVE THEM WITH COLESLAW, ROASTED VEGETABLES, OR A SIMPLE GREEN SALAD. THEY ALSO WORK GREAT IN WRAPS OR RICE BOWLS IF YOU WANT TO TURN THEM INTO A MORE COMPLETE MAIN DISH
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crunch, if desired
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 pcs eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm and enjoy!