Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
why make this recipe
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken. They are easy to prepare and make a great meal or snack for both kids and adults. You can customize them with your favorite seasonings and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Plus, they are baked instead of fried, reducing calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- as needed Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place breadcrumbs in one bowl, flour in another, and beat eggs in a third bowl.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the flour.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Serving
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
how to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: Place breadcrumbs in one bowl, flour in another, and beat eggs in a third bowl.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the flour.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Serve the chicken tenders warm, fresh from the oven. They are great for a quick dinner, lunch, or snack. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue to enhance the flavor. You can also serve them alongside a salad, fries, or veggies for a complete meal.
how to store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, let them cool and store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
tips to make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- Make sure to cut the chicken breast into even strips for uniform cooking.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken strips in your favorite marinade before breading them.
- If you want a crunchier texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs or cayenne pepper for extra zest.
variation
You can customize the chicken tenders by adding grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs or using different spices like Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute chicken with turkey breast for a leaner option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken strips?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and baking.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
3. Can I make chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time, bread them, and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This helps the breading stick better to the chicken.