Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about homemade baked chicken tenders! They’re crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying without the heaviness of frying. I remember the first time I made these for a quick weeknight dinner; my kids gobbled them up like they were candy! I couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up, and knowing they’re a healthy alternative to fried options just made me love them even more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll realize that you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders without the guilt. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces or even piling onto a salad. So, are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe for homemade baked chicken tenders? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious baked chicken tenders! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips – fresh, juicy chicken is key for tenderness.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I like using plain or seasoned, depending on your taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – this adds a lovely, cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist!
- 2 eggs – they’ll help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for that aromatic kick!
- 1 tsp paprika – it gives a subtle warmth and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy, season to your preference!
- Cooking spray – a light mist helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Prepare Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Getting these homemade baked chicken tenders ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Here we go:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for that perfect crispiness!
- While the oven is heating, grab a bowl and mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors!
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. This will help our coating stick to the chicken like magic!
- Now, take each chicken strip and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s well-covered for that crunchy texture!
- Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space so they can crisp up nice and evenly.
- Lastly, give the chicken a light spray with cooking spray to enhance that golden finish. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they’re perfectly golden and cooked through. Wow, the aroma is going to be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders—guilt-free indulgence!
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—every bite is a delight!
- Customizable with your favorite spices and herbs for a personal touch.
- Kids and adults alike will love them—great for family meals!
Tips for Success
To make your homemade baked chicken tenders truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the cooking spray; it’s essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet—give those tenders some breathing room! This way, they’ll crisp up beautifully instead of steaming. Another handy tip is to let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping them juicy inside. Lastly, experiment with different seasonings in your breadcrumb mixture to find your perfect flavor combination. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these tips in your back pocket for every batch!
Variations of Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
The beauty of homemade baked chicken tenders is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to keep your meals exciting. For a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a honey mustard coating by mixing honey and Dijon mustard together before dipping the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Want a taste of Italy? Use Italian seasoning and swap the Parmesan for mozzarella cheese. You can even make them sweet by adding some brown sugar to the coating for a caramelized effect. Trust me, the possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade baked chicken tenders is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them too! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them in the oven is the way to go! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a quicker option. Trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious homemade baked chicken tenders: about 300 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, you can feel good about enjoying this healthier alternative to fried chicken!
FAQ About Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Got questions about making homemade baked chicken tenders? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor—just adjust the cooking time since they might take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? No problem! You can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even crushed crackers as a substitute. They all work beautifully!
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a fantastic gluten-free option.
How do I know when they’re done? The chicken tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. A meat thermometer is a handy tool here!
If you have more questions or need tips, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help make your cooking experience delightful!
For more information on healthy cooking methods, check out this guide on healthy cooking methods.
For a delicious side, consider pairing these tenders with a Caprese salad!
And if you’re looking for a tasty dipping sauce, try making a homemade honey mustard sauce, which pairs perfectly with chicken tenders!
Imprimer
Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders: 5 Irresistible Secrets
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Homemade baked chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious alternative to fried chicken. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: homemade baked chicken tenders, chicken tenders recipe, healthy chicken tenders
