Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are a crispy and flavorful alternative to fried chicken, perfect for a family meal or party snack. They’re easy to prepare and use simple ingredients for a deliciously satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch width strips
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free can be used)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free can be used)
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Beat the eggs lightly in a separate shallow dish.
4. Step 4: In a third shallow dish, whisk together the breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray each chicken strip with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps before baking.
• Try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Serve with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for versatile flavor options.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken strips for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before breading to ensure crispiness.

How can I make these chicken tenders healthier?

Use whole wheat or gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a nutrient boost. You can also reduce the cooking spray or use an olive oil sprayer for a heart-healthier fat option.

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy and flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Tenders, coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture and baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders without compromising on taste, making it perfect for family meals or a delicious snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch width strips

Coating

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs

Bread Crumbs

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free can be used)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free can be used)

Others

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken tenders evenly and achieve a crispy coating.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
3. Make Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish or pie pan, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
4. Beat Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs to create the binding mixture for the coating process.
5. Combine Breadcrumbs: In a third dish, whisk together the regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crunchy texture in the final coating.
6. Coat Chicken Strips: Take each chicken strip and first dip it into the seasoned flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally toss it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every strip is evenly coated. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between.
7. Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray each coated chicken strip with cooking spray to help achieve a golden brown, crispy finish while baking.
8. Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F according to USDA safety guidelines for poultry.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if you require a gluten-free option.
• Cooking spray helps to achieve a crispier texture without deep frying.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow air circulation and even cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• These chicken tenders reheat well in the oven or air fryer for leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven baked chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, baked chicken strips, easy chicken recipe