Homemade baked chicken tenders are one of those magical recipes that make you feel like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen! Trust me, once you make these crispy and flavorful strips, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen ones. I remember the first time I made them; my kids were gobbling them up like they were candy, and I couldn’t help but feel proud. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is just heavenly! Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner. So, let’s dive into how you can whip up these tasty tenders that are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Making these homemade baked chicken tenders is super easy, and I promise they’ll be the highlight of your meal. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have crispy, golden goodness in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the chicken tenders get that beautiful, crispy exterior. So, while you’re preparing your ingredients, let that oven do its thing!
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations
Now, let’s create our coating assembly line! Grab three bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten egg, and the last one for the breadcrumbs. In the breadcrumb bowl, mix in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where all the flavor comes from! Make sure everything is well combined so each tender gets an even coating. It’s like a little flavor party in there!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Time to coat those chicken strips! Start by taking a piece of chicken and dredging it in the flour first. Give it a good shake to get rid of any excess flour—nobody likes a clumpy tender! Next, dip it in the beaten egg, letting the extra drip off, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Repeat this with all the chicken strips. Pro tip: If you want even more crunch, double dip by going back to the egg and breadcrumbs again!
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get these beauties in the oven! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and place your coated chicken strips on it in a single layer. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want to be sure, a meat thermometer is your best friend! Just wait until you take that first bite—you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To make your homemade baked chicken tenders truly shine, here are some pro tips! First off, always ensure the chicken is fully cooked—no one wants to bite into something underdone. Using a meat thermometer is a game changer; it should read 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs and spices in your breadcrumb mixture! Adding dried oregano or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor. And remember, the thicker the coating, the crunchier the tender, so don’t be shy with those breadcrumbs! Lastly, let them rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps keep them juicy. Trust me, these little tweaks will make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my homemade baked chicken tenders. Each serving contains about 250 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein, making them a great source of lean protein! You’ll also find 20 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs! Enjoy these tasty tenders without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for homemade baked chicken tenders if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful meat. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.
How do I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
To make your chicken tenders gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. You can also use almond flour for a different texture. They’ll still taste amazing!
What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Oh, the options are endless! A classic honey mustard or barbecue sauce works great, but you can also try ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. My kids love dipping them in sweet chili sauce!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and coat the chicken tenders ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or when you have guests over!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep your chicken tenders crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that delicious crunch rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Super flavorful with a crispy coating that everyone will love.
- Healthier than fried tenders, making them a guilt-free option.
- Gluten-free option available, so everyone can enjoy them!
- Customizable with your favorite spices and dipping sauces.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your homemade baked chicken tenders, the possibilities are endless! Personally, I love serving them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing garden salad to balance out the meal. As for dipping sauces, you can’t go wrong with classic honey mustard or tangy barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a creamy ranch or zesty sriracha mayo for an extra kick! Another favorite of mine is a homemade garlic aioli—just a few simple ingredients and it elevates the whole dish. Whatever you choose, these tenders are sure to be the star of your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! To store your homemade baked chicken tenders, simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them, so they don’t stick together.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven to keep that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures they’re warmed through and regain their crunch. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option—just a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) will do the trick! Enjoy those tenders as if they were just made!
Z nadrukami
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders: 5 Steps to Crispy Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Easy homemade baked chicken tenders that are crispy and flavorful.
Składniki
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Uwagi
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- You can add herbs for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: homemade baked chicken tenders
