BEST CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Craving that satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying? Look no further! These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders deliver all the flavor and texture you love, but baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a family-friendly meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious – I promise, you won’t miss the deep fryer one bit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Crispy Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tender strips with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece gets coated nicely. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator). This step is KEY for tender, flavorful chicken.

Making the Crispy Coating:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. This is my secret weapon for extra crispy tenders! The oil helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully in the oven.

Coating and Baking the Chicken:

1. Take one chicken tender at a time from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. You want a nice, thick layer!
2. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Ultimate Crispy Chicken Tenders

Here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years to guarantee perfect, crispy baked chicken tenders every time:

• Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, the milk and lemon juice trick works wonders.
• Use panko breadcrumbs. They are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a much crispier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of baking it. Work in batches if necessary.
• Flip the tenders halfway through baking. This ensures even browning on both sides.
• Use a wire rack (optional). Placing a wire rack on top of your baking sheet will allow air to circulate under the tenders, promoting even crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Chicken Tender Salad: Slice the tenders and add them to a bed of lettuce with your favorite veggies and dressing.
• Chicken Tender Wraps: Wrap the tenders in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite sauce.
• With Sides: Serve with french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.

Making it Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:

You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover them tightly. When you’re ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Storage:

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best results. Microwaving can make them soggy.

Variations and Swaps

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
• Different Cheese: Try using a different type of cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Air Fryer: You can also cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a chicken lover like me, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Try the Hot Honey Feta Chicken for a sweet and savory kick.
• For a creamy and comforting meal, you can’t beat the Boursin Chicken Pasta.
• Need a quick and easy dinner? The Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe is a winner!
• For a fun and flavorful lunch or dinner, try the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
• Craving something with a little crunch and zing? Definitely give the Pretzel Chicken With Mustard-cheddar Sauce a try.
• And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic Baked Chicken.

Enjoy Your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders!

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as my family and I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!