How to Create Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step Guide)
Who doesn’t love crispy chicken tenders? They’re a family favorite and make the perfect snack, main dish, or party food. The best part? You can make these delicious tenders right at home, and they don’t need to be fried to be crispy! By baking them, you get the same crunch while keeping them healthier and less messy.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making crispy baked chicken tenders from scratch in simple steps. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just yourself, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch!)
– ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a nice color and smoky flavor)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– ½ cup of flour
– Cooking spray or a little bit of oil
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or whisk
- Tongs (or clean fingers!)
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making crispy baked chicken tenders!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps give the chicken tenders that golden, crispy texture we’re aiming for.
Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray it lightly with cooking spray to keep the tenders from sticking.
Step 2: Set Up Three Bowls
To coat the chicken tenders, you’ll need three separate bowls.
- Bowl 1: Add flour. This helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- Bowl 2: Crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth. This acts like glue for the breadcrumbs later on.
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your crunchy coating!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take your chicken tenders or chicken strips and coat them one by one.
- First Dip: Roll the chicken piece in the flour. Shake off the extra flour.
- Second Dip: Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Third Dip: Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your fingers or a spoon to cover every side evenly.
Repeat for each piece of chicken until everything is coated.
Step 4: Assemble and Spray
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This ensures they bake evenly and become crispy all around.
Next, lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil. This step makes the breadcrumbs golden and extra crunchy in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Away!
Put the chicken tenders in the preheated oven. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they crisp up evenly on both sides.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce—and enjoy!
Extra Tips for Crispy Perfection
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which makes them ideal for adding crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Spray: A little cooking spray or oil makes a big difference in achieving that perfect golden color.
- Keep Chicken Dry: Before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
- Add Seasonings You Love: Feel free to experiment with spices! Try adding cayenne for heat, Italian seasoning for an herby flavor, or even lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
Frying can make chicken tenders greasy and add extra calories due to the oil. Baking, on the other hand, is a healthier option without compromising on crunch. Plus, it’s easier—no worrying about hot oil splattering everywhere!
Final Thoughts
Crispy baked chicken tenders are simple to make and absolutely delicious. They’re perfect for picky eaters, easy enough for beginner cooks, and versatile enough for any occasion. When you bake them at home, you can control the ingredients and seasoning, making them healthier than store-bought or fried versions.
So, the next time you’re craving crispy chicken, give this recipe a try. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying the results are. Once you master this recipe, you can even get creative by adding different flavors or serving them in wraps, salads, or tacos.
Enjoy your homemade crispy baked chicken tenders! 😊
What are your favorite dips or seasoning tricks for chicken tenders? Share your ideas in the comments below!
