If you’re craving a deliciously crispy, juicy, and irresistible chicken snack, the Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes simple chicken strips and transforms them into a golden, flavorful masterpiece without the fuss of frying. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or just a comforting homemade treat. From the crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating to the perfect blend of spices, every bite will have you reaching for more. Let me walk you through how to bring this delight to your table with ease and confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the signature crunch, savoriness, and that perfect light golden color that makes these tenders truly stand out.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless, and skinless for tender and juicy strips that cook evenly.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the essential crisp coating; panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully if you want extra crunch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the coating crisp up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory depth to every bite without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors in the dish.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect glue to make sure the breadcrumb mixture sticks to the chicken.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve that golden, slightly crispy exterior without excess oil or frying.
How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial because it ensures the chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly while developing that delightful golden crust without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating Mix
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend of ingredients creates a flavorful and textured coating that sticks perfectly to the chicken, making every bite packed with taste and crunch.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Chicken
Grab your chicken strips and dip each one into the beaten eggs. The eggs help the breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly. Next, roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Don’t be shy here—make sure every inch is covered for that ultimate crispy shell.
Step 4: Arrange and Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on it. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This small touch helps promote browning and crisping as they bake without adding greasy calories.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get beautifully golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the exterior is crisp and the inside reaches a juicy, tender texture. This step always feels rewarding when you see those gorgeous baked tenders ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan right before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the dish and cut through the richness, making the tenders even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some creamy coleslaw. For a healthier option, steamed veggies or garlic roasted potatoes are fantastic choices that complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe in a basket lined with parchment paper alongside a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, and classic ranch. They also work great sliced into wraps or piled on up sandwiches to satisfy any craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy and quick meal or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for longer storage. Arrange them on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals whenever you need.
Reheating
To keep that crispy texture when reheating, place tenders on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too and can add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though they might need slightly longer baking to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores carry gluten-free panko-style crumbs that yield similar crispiness and texture.
What dipping sauces go well with Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy sriracha mayo are all fantastic. Feel free to get creative with your favorite dipping sauces to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the coating mixture ahead of time?
You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Keep it dry and ready to use when you want to assemble and bake the tenders.
How do I know when chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cutting into one piece to check for clear juices and no pink center also helps confirm doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a home-cooked favorite that’s easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing, this Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The beautiful balance of spice, texture, and tender chicken wrapped in a crispy coating is pure comfort food at its best. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you make these, you’ll want to keep them on regular rotation for family dinners, lunchboxes, or anytime hunger strikes!
Print
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade baked chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to fried options. Coated with a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, these chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, making a perfect family-friendly dinner or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Batter
- 2 eggs, beaten
Others
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed for a flavorful crust.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs to moisten, then thoroughly coat with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then lightly spray them with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crunchy finish.
- Bake Chicken Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the tenders are cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through baking for even cooking.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, freeze the coated tenders for 10 minutes before baking.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier twist.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
