The Ultimate Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

Ever had chicken tenders that make your taste buds do a happy dance? That’s what you’re in for with these Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders! Whipping up a batch is faster than a delivery order and way more satisfying. The perfect balance of crispy, tender goodness awaits, and trust me, nobody will even miss the fried version.

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly? These tenders pull off all that without breaking a sweat! They’re not just delicious; they also promise:

Easy Cleanup: No messy frying pans — just pop them in the oven!
Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts and pantry staples? Yes, please!
Perfect for Picky Eaters: Everyone loves crispy chicken!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray

Directions

Follow these easy steps to juicy perfection:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- One for flour
- One for beaten eggs
- One for breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders (Overview)

Making these tenders is a total breeze! Start by getting your baking sheet ready and preheating the oven (a.k.a. the early birds catch the crispy goodness). Set up your breading station: it’s like assembly line magic, but for food! Dredge, dip, coat — and voilà, you’re a chicken tender pro. Pro tip: Don’t rush the coating; every layer counts for that crunchy bite!

How to Serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

These tenders burst with flavor and a delightful crunch! Try serving them alongside:

Crisp, colorful salads for a light meal
Sweet potato fries for that awesome color contrast
A side of garlic aioli or honey mustard for dipping

Imagine that golden brown exterior and the smell? You’ll be the superstar of your kitchen.

How to Store Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Got leftovers? No worries! These tenders keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Feeling lazy? You can even freeze them! Pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through — no one wants soggy tenders!

Tips to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Want to become a chicken tender master? Here are a few insider tricks:

Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch!
Season your flour for that wow factor; try adding paprika or cayenne if you like some heat.
If you’re toasting the breadcrumbs lightly before coating, it gives them an amazing flavor boost!
Marinade the chicken in some lemon juice for a zesty kick.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up! For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use plant-based eggs for dipping. Want more flavor? Experiment with different seasonings or add Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumb mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge before baking. Just keep them wrapped tightly until you’re ready to pop them in the oven.

2. What dipping sauce goes well with them?
You can’t go wrong with honey mustard or a simple ranch dressing! Throw in some buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
For sure! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier bite. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!