Let me tell you, homemade baked chicken tenders are an absolute game-changer! They’re crispy on the outside and so tender on the inside—just the way I love them. I remember the first time I made these; my kids were so excited when they came out of the oven, and the aroma filled the kitchen. I had to sneak a bite before serving, and wow, I was hooked! These tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken since they’re baked, not fried, which cuts down on the grease and keeps them light. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Trust me, once you try my homemade baked chicken tenders, you won’t want to go back to the fried ones!
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delicious homemade baked chicken tenders! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to crispy perfection in no time!
How to Prepare Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these homemade baked chicken tenders. Don’t worry, it’s super simple! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color on the outside. Trust me, no one wants soggy tenders!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
While the oven is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This coating is what gives your tenders that irresistible crunch, so make sure it’s nicely blended!
Coat the Chicken Strips
Next, dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. This double-dipping method is key to achieving that crispy exterior that I just love!
Baking the Chicken Tenders
Now, place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out so they cook evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into one—juicy and no pink inside means they’re ready!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Let me tell you, these homemade baked chicken tenders are a total win! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, they’re lower in calories and fat.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time!
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters; they’ll love the crispy texture and delicious flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Great Leftovers: These tenders reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep!
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these chicken tenders on repeat!
Tips for Success with Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Want to make sure your homemade baked chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, for extra flavor, try marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk for a few hours before coating them. This not only adds moisture but also enhances tenderness. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers for a unique twist. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Finally, let them cool for a couple of minutes after baking to help the coating set. Enjoy your crispy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each serving of these homemade baked chicken tenders, you can expect approximately 300 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy your meal with confidence!
FAQ About Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Got questions about these delicious homemade baked chicken tenders? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, but make sure to adjust the cooking time if they’re thicker.
How do I make them gluten-free? Just swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set!
Can I freeze the chicken tenders? Yes! You can freeze them before or after baking. Just make sure to cool them completely and store in an airtight container.
What dipping sauces pair well? I love serving them with honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick!
Serving Suggestions
These homemade baked chicken tenders are so versatile, and they pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dipping sauces! For a classic touch, serve them with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh garden salad. If you’re in the mood for something zesty, try dipping them in honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce. And for a spicy kick, a sriracha mayo is always a hit! You can’t go wrong with these delicious options!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover homemade baked chicken tenders, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and regain that crispy texture. Microwaving can make them soggy, so I always recommend the oven for the best results!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this air fryer chicken tenders recipe or creamy garlic butter chicken!
Print
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade baked chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious alternative to fried chicken. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip in the beaten eggs.
- Coat the chicken strips with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: homemade baked chicken tenders, chicken tenders, baked chicken, healthy chicken tenders
