Baked Chicken Tenders: A Crispy, Healthy Recipe Your Family Will Love
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken tenders? Look no further! This recipe for baked chicken tenders delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness without the added oil and guilt. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, these baked chicken tenders are sure to become a new favorite.
Why Choose Baked Chicken Tenders?
Baked chicken tenders offer a fantastic way to enjoy this classic comfort food while prioritizing your health. Compared to their fried counterparts, baked tenders are:
- Lower in calories and fat: Significantly reducing the amount of oil used drastically cuts down on unnecessary calories and saturated fat.
- Healthier: Baking preserves more nutrients compared to frying, offering a more wholesome meal option.
- Just as satisfying: With the right recipe and technique, you can achieve that satisfyingly crispy exterior and juicy interior that everyone loves.
- Easier to clean up: No greasy pans or splattered oil to contend with!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is simple and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch strips for perfect tender size.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for a crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Season to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A classic seasoning pairing.
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk: Helps the coating adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.
- Cooking spray: For non-stick baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked chicken tenders:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips of roughly equal size. This ensures even cooking.
- Make the breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the milk or buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even browning.
- Bake: Spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure adequate space between tenders for even airflow and crispiness.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Double breading: For extra crispy tenders, you can dip the chicken in the milk/buttermilk, then the flour mixture, then back into the milk/buttermilk, and finally back into the flour mixture for a thicker, crispier coating.
- Broil (optional): For the last 2-3 minutes of baking, you can broil the chicken tenders on high to achieve extra crispiness, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions:
These baked chicken tenders are incredibly versatile! Serve them with:
- Honey mustard: A classic and always delicious combination.
- BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky sweetness.
- Ranch dressing: A creamy and tangy complement.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers a sweet and spicy kick.
- Dipping sauces of your choice! Get creative and experiment!
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time accordingly. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before breading and baking.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your crispy, healthy, and delicious baked chicken tenders! Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed this recipe.
