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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: Your Go-To Recipe for a Family Favorite

Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to your favorite fried chicken tenders? Look no further! These crispy baked chicken tenders are an absolute game-changer, delivering that irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness without the deep-fryer. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a fun game day appetizer, or even as a versatile topping for salads, this recipe is designed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Baked Chicken Tenders? A Healthier, Easier Alternative

As a devoted fan of chicken tenders, I understand the allure of their crispy coating and tender meat. Often, the restaurant versions are deep-fried, which, while undeniably tasty, isn’t always the healthiest or most practical option for home cooking. That’s why I’ve perfected a baked chicken tender recipe that rivals any fried version in terms of flavor and texture, but with significantly less oil and mess.

Baking these tenders not only reduces fat content but also simplifies the cooking process. No more dealing with hot oil splatters or the lingering smell of fried food. Instead, you get a clean and straightforward method that yields consistently delicious results every time. These tenders are a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or crunch when opting for a healthier cooking approach.

The Secret to Unforgettable Crispy & Juicy Tenders

Achieving that perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside might seem like a challenge for baked chicken, but it’s surprisingly simple with a few key steps. Our method involves a buttermilk soak, a seasoned panko coating, and high-heat baking to lock in moisture and create that desirable golden crust.

Step 1: The Buttermilk Soak – A Flavor & Tenderness Boost

The journey to superior chicken tenders begins with a simple yet transformative step: a buttermilk soak. Don’t skip this! Buttermilk works wonders by tenderizing the chicken, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. The mild acidity in the buttermilk breaks down the protein fibers in the chicken, resulting in a more succulent bite. It also provides an excellent base for our seasoned coating to adhere to, ensuring every inch of the tender is enveloped in flavor.

Simply place your boneless, skinless chicken tenders in a shallow bowl and cover them generously with buttermilk. A minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator is recommended, but you can let them soak for up to a few hours for even greater tenderness and flavor infusion. This step is crucial for preventing dry, bland chicken, and it truly sets these tenders apart.

Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Crispy Coating

Once the chicken has enjoyed its buttermilk bath, it’s time to give it that signature crispy coating. This isn’t just any coating; it’s a carefully balanced blend designed for maximum crunch and robust flavor. We combine all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a slightly nuttier flavor), light and airy panko bread crumbs, and a blend of essential seasonings. Panko bread crumbs are an absolute must here, as their larger, flakier texture provides a much crispier finish than traditional bread crumbs.

For our seasoning blend, we use seasoned salt, dried parsley, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices create a savory, aromatic profile that enhances the natural taste of the chicken without overpowering it. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference or even add a pinch of paprika for color and a hint of smokiness, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.

The easiest way to coat the chicken is to transfer the dry mixture into a large resealable baggie. This method ensures that each tender gets evenly coated with minimal mess. Simply remove a chicken tender from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, place it in the baggie with the seasoning mix, seal it, and shake gently until thoroughly coated. Repeat for all tenders, placing them on a prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

With your tenders perfectly coated, it’s time to bake them! Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (230°C). This high heat is critical for achieving that desirable crispy crust quickly, mimicking the effects of frying. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. For extra crispiness, consider placing the tenders on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around all sides.

Arrange the coated chicken tenders about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each tender with a little olive oil or give them a light spray with non-stick cooking spray. This small amount of oil is essential for promoting browning and crisping without adding excessive fat. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

These crispy baked chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. While they are so full of flavor that you might not even need a dip, I’m a firm believer that a good dipping sauce elevates the experience!

Dipping Delights:

Classic Condiments: Barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or even a simple ketchup are always crowd-pleasers.
Creamy & Rich: Gravy or a warm cheese sauce can turn these into a comforting meal.
Spicy Kicks: Try sriracha mayo, a buffalo sauce, or a spicy remoulade for those who like a little heat.
Homemade Sauces: A fresh pesto mayo, a zesty garlic aioli, or a sweet and sour sauce can add an gourmet touch.

Complete Meal Ideas:

Beyond dipping, these tenders make fantastic components of a larger meal:

Classic Comfort: Serve them alongside some crispy sweet potato fries and a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Family Favorite: Pair them with creamy mac & cheese and a fresh garden salad for a comforting meal that kids and adults alike will adore.
Hearty Salad Topper: Slice them up and place them on top of a big, veggie-packed salad. Drizzle with ranch, barbecue sauce, or a light vinaigrette for a fulfilling and healthy lunch or dinner.
Wraps & Sandwiches: Cut them into strips and stuff them into warm tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for easy chicken wraps. Or, make a chicken tender sandwich on a toasted bun with pickles and a slather of mayo.
Appetizer Platter: Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dips for the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer.

The possibilities are endless! Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them an adaptable protein for almost any meal.

Tips for the Crispiest Baked Chicken Tenders

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tenders space on the baking sheet. If they are too close, they will steam instead of crisp, resulting in a soggy coating. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Wire Rack Advantage: As mentioned, baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate underneath the tenders, promoting even crispiness on all sides.
Pat Chicken Dry (Before Buttermilk): While the buttermilk adds moisture, ensuring the chicken itself is relatively dry before soaking can help the marinade and coating adhere better.
Even Coating: Make sure each tender is thoroughly coated in the panko mixture for maximum crunch. Shake the bag well!
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Serve Immediately: For the best crispiness, serve these tenders hot straight out of the oven.

These crispy baked chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table. They’re easy enough for a quick meal, delicious enough for a special occasion, and versatile enough to pair with anything. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear!

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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

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5 from 1 review

Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 8
Category: Main

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Description

Easy, crispy baked chicken tenders are perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day snack. Marinated in buttermilk for ultimate tenderness and coated in a flavorful panko breading, these tenders bake up golden and incredibly crispy without any deep frying. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken tenders (about 1.25 pounds)
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
A light drizzle of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for baking

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a shallow bowl and pour 2 cups of buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the chicken. For enhanced flavor and tenderness, you can marinate for up to 2-3 hours.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. If you want extra crispiness, you can also place a wire rack on top of the parchment paper.
Coat the Tenders: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the whole wheat or all-purpose flour, panko bread crumbs, seasoned salt, dried parsley, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Seal the bag and shake well to thoroughly mix the coating ingredients. Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade with a fork, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip back into the bowl. Place the chicken tenders into the resealable bag with the dry mixture. Seal the bag again and shake gently until each piece of chicken is completely and evenly coated.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack), ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart to allow for proper air circulation and crisping. Drizzle each chicken tender with a little olive oil or lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve & Enjoy: Remove the baked chicken tenders from the oven. Serve them immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or gravy. These tenders are also fantastic paired with sweet potato fries, steamed vegetables, or as a protein topper for a fresh salad.