Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless (skinless chicken breasts cut into strips); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon milk; Olive oil spray

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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to the classic fried version—but they’re just as golden, crunchy, and flavorful. These tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked to crispy perfection, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or kid-friendly meals. This Healthy Comfort Food is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a standout Healthy Comfort Food:

No Frying Needed: Crunchy without the grease, baked to perfection.
Quick Prep: Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Kid-Friendly: Loved by picky eaters and adults alike.
Versatile: Perfect for dinners, snacks, or meal prep.
I make this Healthy Comfort Food for busy weeknights, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (serves 4):

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Tenders are ideal; cut breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
Panko: Light and flaky for extra crunch; find it in the baking aisle.
Eggs: Room temperature for better coating adhesion.
Spices: Adjust paprika or add cayenne for a kick.
Cooking Spray: Olive oil spray adds crispiness without excess fat.

Directions for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Let’s create these delicious Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders!

Preheat Oven

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness (optional).

Set Up Breading Stations

I prepare three bowls:

Bowl 1: ½ cup flour.
Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: 1 cup panko, ½ cup regular breadcrumbs, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, mixed well.

Bread the Chicken

I dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.

Arrange and Spray

I place the coated tenders on the wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for golden crispiness.

Bake

I bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve

I serve hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for a perfect meal.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~310 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 30g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Try these twists on Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders:

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version.
Cheesy Crust: Add ¼ cup grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ tsp cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
Veggie Swap: Use tofu strips or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative.
Buffalo Style: Toss baked tenders in buffalo sauce for a zesty twist.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a balanced Healthy Comfort Food meal.
Serve in wraps or on buns with lettuce and mayo for sandwiches.
Offer with dipping sauces like BBQ, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli for variety.
Add to a lunchbox with veggies and dip for kid-friendly meals.

Storage

I store leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes to keep them crispy, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess. To freeze, I place cooled tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

FAQs :

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
Yes, I slice breasts into even strips for this Healthy Comfort Food to ensure uniform cooking.

What are panko breadcrumbs for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
I use panko, a light, flaky Japanese breadcrumb, for an extra crunchy coating.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bread them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, up to 1 day in advance.

Are these tenders healthy?
They are lower in fat than fried tenders, high in protein, and can be made even lighter with whole wheat breadcrumbs or air frying.

Can I freeze them raw?
Yes, freeze after breading. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.

What sides pair well with these?
Fries, coleslaw, salad, sweet potato wedges, or steamed veggies all work great.

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Conclusion

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious, healthier twist on a classic favorite. With their golden coating, juicy interior, and irresistible crunch, they’re perfect for dipping, sandwich-making, or topping off a salad. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving comfort food with a clean-eating edge, these tenders are a surefire winner every time.