Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders: the Healthier, Tastier Classic
Right, let's dive into these Oven Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders ! Remember those dodgy corn dogs from the school canteen? Well, forget them. These are miles better!
Craving Crispy? Try Baked Chicken Tenders!
Ever wondered how to get that amazing crispy crunch without deep frying? This recipe will show you. It's for baked chicken tenders that taste incredible. Seriously, ditch the drive thru.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic
These chicken breast recipes baked are inspired by southern fried chicken. but, they're oven baked, making them healthier. plus, they're super easy to make.
It's a real win-win, innit? this is some proper chicken dinner recipes .
This oven baked chicken recipe originated as my attempt to recreate a favorite childhood meal. i wanted to make it healthier.
It's great for a quick chicken dinner recipes and chicken dishes recipes . it's surprisingly easy and takes under an hour, including prep.
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
The Good Stuff: Why You'll Love These Tenders
The best part? baked bone in chicken has more flavour than fried chicken. honestly, that's a good thing! plus, baking them cuts down on the greasy factor.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially if you have kids. what makes these baked chicken breast tenders special is the double coating.
It creates amazing texture.
Next, we'll explore what you'll need to make your chicken breast recipes . I am telling you, oven baked chicken breasts are a winner!
Alright, mate! let's dive into what you need to whip up some wicked baked chicken tenders . think of it as chicken breast recipes baked to perfection! no more soggy disappointments! i've made my fair share.
Trust me, this one’s a winner.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch strips. Go for good quality chicken here! You know, the kind that looks pink and plump, not pale and sad.
- 1 tsp (5mL) kosher salt. Table salt works too, but kosher just gives it a cleaner flavour, innit?
- 1/2 tsp (2.5mL) black pepper, freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1 tsp (5mL) garlic powder, because everything’s better with garlic.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5mL) paprika, regular or smoked, depending on your mood.
For the Breading station:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour. Just plain flour, nothing special.
- 2 large eggs , lightly beaten. Make sure they're at room temperature, it makes a difference.
- 1 cup (115g) panko breadcrumbs. These are the key to the crispy !
- 1 cup (90g) regular breadcrumbs (unseasoned). The plain ones complement the panko so well.
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese. Oh my gosh, this adds a wonderful nutty flavor!
- 1 tsp (5mL) dried Italian seasoning. A bit of Italy in your baked bone in chicken !
- 1/2 tsp (2.5mL) onion powder. Yep, more flavour!
- 1/4 tsp (1.25mL) cayenne pepper (optional). Just a touch, unless you like it proper spicy.
- 1/4 cup (60mL) olive oil spray. Don’t skimp on this, it helps things crisp up.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You
Okay, so the garlic powder, paprika, italian seasoning, and onion powder are your essential spice combo. but don’t be afraid to experiment! a little smoked paprika? bangin'.
A pinch of cumin? go for it! as for flavour enhancers, a splash of worcestershire sauce in the egg wash does wonders, honestly.
Don't have Italian seasoning? Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Sorted.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- 3 shallow bowls or dishes. For your breading station, naturally.
- Rimmed baking sheet. Gotta have something to bake on, eh?
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Stops the chicken dishes recipes from sticking, clever, innit?
- Meat mallet (optional). If your oven baked chicken breasts are super thick, bash 'em down a bit. Levels out the playing field, if you get me.
Got no parchment paper? a bit of oil on the baking sheet works, but watch it doesn't burn. now, get ready for some proper oven baked chicken .
These baked chicken breast tenders will be so much better than corn dogs ! you can have easy chicken dinner recipes with this chicken breast recipes
Honestly, these baked tenders are so good, they might just become a weekly staple. the beauty of oven baked chicken is how versatile it is.
You can chuck it in a salad, have it with chips, or just munch on it straight from the oven.
No judgement here!
Alright, let's dive into making some seriously yummy baked chicken tenders ! i'm thinking we ditch the soggy, greasy takeaway versions and create something amazing at home.
These are inspired by the goodness of southern fried chicken, but way healthier because they're oven baked chicken . honestly, once you try these, you'll never go back.
Prep Like a Pro: The Key to Crispy Goodness
First things first: mise en place, baby! getting everything in its place is key. cut 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 inch strips.
Season 'em generously with 1 tsp (5ml) of kosher salt, 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) of black pepper, 1 tsp (5ml) of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp (2.
5ml) of paprika. let them chill for 15 minutes this gives the flavors time to get acquainted. while those chicken breast recipes baked are getting happy, set up your breading station.
Time saving tip: Use pre-cut chicken tenderloins. It can save a lot of time.
Now, a quick reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken!
Baking Perfection: step-by-step
Ready to rock? This Oven Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is easier than you think!
- Flour Power: Grab a shallow dish and pile in 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour.
- Eggcellent Dip: In another dish, whisk up 2 large eggs .
- Crunch Time: Combine 1 cup (115g) of panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup (90g) of regular breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (30g) of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp (5mL) of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp (2.5mL) of onion powder, and 1/4 tsp (1.25mL) of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling spicy!) in a third dish. This will be the magic mix for chicken dishes recipes !
- Breading Bonanza: Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, then coat generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Really press it on there!
- Bake It! Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make clean up easier.
- Golden Brown Dreams: Spray those babies with olive oil spray and bake in a preheated oven at 425° F ( 220° C) for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. The internal temp should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a thermometer.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Breast EVER!
You know, one time I rushed this recipe and didn't flip the tenders halfway. Big mistake! The bottoms were soggy. Live and learn, right?
- Don't overcrowd the pan. It's the secret to achieve a crispy texture.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading . It helps the flour stick better and achieves a very crisp taste.
- For a fun twist, try dipping these in honey mustard sauce or even some sweet chili sauce.
- These oven baked chicken strips are fantastic for meal prep! Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them in salads, wraps, or as a snack throughout the week.
These chicken dinner recipes are a surefire win, whether you're making a chicken breast recipes or just want a quick and satisfying meal.
I hope you love them as much as i do! this is not like those greasy corn dogs . enjoy!
Right then, let's talk about making these oven baked crispy chicken tenders even better . Honestly, it's all about the little things, innit? Little tweaks can make a huge difference.
Recipe Notes to Nosh On
Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Presentation, Mate!
Plating these baked chicken tenders can really elevate them. Forget just chucking them on a plate.
Think about it, presentation is key! Arrange them artfully with a dollop of your favorite dipping sauce. I love a good homemade ranch. Seriously, it's the bomb.
For sides, why not try sweet potato fries instead of regular ones? they're a bit healthier and add a lovely sweetness.
And don't forget a bit of coleslaw. it's a classic for a reason. it cuts through the richness nicely. it's also a great companion to chicken dishes recipes !
Complementary drinks ? Iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer work a treat. You know, something to wash it all down.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Refrigerating leftover baked chicken tenders is easy. Just pop them in an airtight container and they'll be good for 3-4 days.
Fancy freezing them? no worries. lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
This prevents them from sticking together. they'll last for up to 2-3 months. perfect for quick chicken dinner recipes .
Reheating is a doddle. oven is best. 350° f ( 175° c) for 10- 15 minutes. microwaving works in a pinch, but they might get a bit soggy.
Honestly, i avoid the microwave if i can. air fryer? even better! reheating in an air fryer will help them regain some of their original crispiness.
Variations: Spice It Up, Or Not!
Dietary adaptations? Easy peasy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Boom! Done. For a lighter version, try oven baked chicken breasts instead.
Seasonal ingredient swaps? In the summer, add some grilled corn to your coleslaw. In the winter, serve with roasted root vegetables. Get creative!
Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for spicy baked chicken breast . My nan hates it but i swear by it.
Want to compare to other foods? Ever thought about making corn dogs ? Maybe with a nice chicken twist!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Ok, let's keep this simple. These baked chicken tenders are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Protein is a crucial part of a well rounded diet!
They're also lower in fat than fried chicken tenders. this is a baked chicken breast instead of the deep fried alternative.
This is because we're baking them, not frying them. every little helps, eh? chicken breast recipes baked are known for being healthier and better for you than the regular fried recipe.
And remember, I'm not a nutritionist, but it's always a good idea to eat a balanced diet.
These oven baked chicken recipe will make a great addition to your cooking repertoire!
So there you have it. making these baked bone in chicken is fun and easy. give it a go! you might just surprise yourself.
And honestly, even if it's not perfect the first time, it'll still taste great. happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my baked chicken tenders from being dry?
Nobody wants a dry chicken tender! The key is a high baking temperature (425°F/220°C) to crisp the breading quickly and prevent the chicken from drying out. Also, don't overcook them! Use a meat thermometer; they're done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Think of it like brewing the perfect cuppa timing is everything!
My baked chicken tenders aren't crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the quest for maximum crispiness! First, make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet; the tenders need space for air to circulate. Secondly, a generous spray of olive oil on both sides is crucial. Consider a double dredge: dipping the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs twice for an extra thick coating.
And finally, check your oven temperature! An accurate oven will make all the difference.
Can I make these baked chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can definitely prep them in advance! Bread the chicken tenders and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking for even cooking.
For longer storage, you can freeze the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are baked chicken tenders healthier than fried ones?
Absolutely! Baking significantly reduces the amount of added fat compared to frying, making them a healthier option. While they still contain calories and carbohydrates from the breading, you're avoiding all that extra oil. It's like choosing a Sunday roast over a chippy tea a lighter, brighter choice!
What are some variations I can try to spice up these baked chicken tenders?
Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick. You could also experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture, like smoked paprika or garlic salt. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the parmesan cheese.
Get creative and find your favourite flavour!
How long do baked chicken tenders last in the fridge?
Cooked baked chicken tenders will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Make sure they've cooled down completely before refrigerating. They're great for leftovers, adding to salads, or even enjoying cold with a dip a bit like a sophisticated picnic!
Oven Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders The Healthier
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
