Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

crispy baked chicken tenders for easy meal prep 🍗✨🧀

1. Introduction

Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken tenders? These crispy baked chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep, offering a homemade alternative to store-bought chicken strips. They are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection, making them a healthy and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re aiming for a quick family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers crispy, oven-baked chicken that everyone will love.

2. Ingredients for crispy baked chicken tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

3. Step-by-step instructions to make crispy baked chicken tenders

Preparing the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Setting up the Breading Stations

Place the flour in a separate shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another bowl. This station setup will help you efficiently coat the chicken tenders.

Coating the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally, toss in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Crispy Chicken Tenders

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Tips for perfect oven-baked chicken tenders

• Use chicken tenderloins for tender and evenly cooked strips.
• Ensure the coating adheres well by pressing gently when coating the chicken.
• For extra crispiness, spray the tenders with oil before baking.
• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).

5. Storage tips for leftovers

Allow the baked chicken tenders to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through, maintaining their crispiness.

6. Serving suggestions for crispy baked chicken tenders

Pair these golden chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy buffalo. Serve with a side of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They’re also perfect for school lunchboxes or dinner parties.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about chicken tenders

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts can be sliced into strips to make these homemade chicken tenders. Just ensure they’re pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Are oven-baked chicken tenders healthy?

Absolutely! Baking instead of frying reduces added fats, making these crisp and baked chicken strips a healthier option for your diet.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

The entire process from coating to baking typically takes around 35-40 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner option.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for chopping and preparing chicken tenderloins efficiently, cutting down prep time.
• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Provides reliable bakeware and trays to help achieve that perfect crispy crust.
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: For an even crispier finish, you can also air fry these tenders instead of baking.
• Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker: Not needed for this recipe but great for preparing fresh bread to serve on the side.

Investing in these tools can improve your cooking experience and help you create perfectly crispy chicken tenders every time!

9. Conclusion

In summary, these crispy baked chicken tenders are a fantastic homemade meal that combines health-conscious cooking with irresistible flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, they are sure to become a staple in your weekly menu. Experiment with different seasonings or coatings to customize the flavor to your liking. Enjoy crispy, oven-baked chicken tenders that are tender on the inside and satisfyingly crispy on the outside — a true crowd-pleaser!

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