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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Easy Family Recipe

by on October 25, 2024

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Craving a tasty dinner that’s easy to make? You’re in the right place! My Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are perfect for your family. They’re crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, plus they use simple, healthy ingredients. You only need a few pantry staples to whip them up! Let’s dive into this easy family recipe that will keep everyone smiling at the dinner table. Get ready to impress!

To make crispy baked chicken tenders, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Olive oil spray Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Chicken tenderloins give a tender bite. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty richness. Garlic and onion powders add savory notes. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste. Eggs act as a binding agent. Dijon mustard and honey add a sweet and tangy layer of flavor. Finally, olive oil spray helps achieve that golden brown finish. This dish is both tasty and healthy, making it a great family meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to mix them well. This blend adds flavor and texture to the chicken. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. Add in the Dijon mustard and honey. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Take each chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Place each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This step helps them turn golden and crispy. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, turn the tenders for even browning. They are done when they are cooked through and crispy. Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them on a platter with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious crispy baked chicken tenders! To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, start with dry chicken. Pat the tenderloins with paper towels to remove moisture. Next, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. They give a crunch and add flavor. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick. Lastly, spray a light coat of olive oil on top before baking. It aids in browning and crispiness. Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to allow air to circulate. Turn them halfway through cooking. This ensures they brown evenly on both sides. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Use a good baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. A mixing bowl is important for your coating mixtures. A whisk helps blend the egg mixture smoothly. Finally, keep a spatula handy for flipping the tenders. These tools make the process easier and more fun! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular whole wheat breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor and moisture, marinate the chicken tenderloins in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least 30 minutes before coating them. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile can elevate your chicken tenders. Store and Reheat Properly: To keep leftovers crispy, store them in a single layer on a wire rack. When reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave to regain the crunch. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can also crush gluten-free corn flakes for a crunchy texture. This keeps the dish crispy, tasty, and safe for gluten-sensitive diets. You can change the flavors easily. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Use lemon zest for a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to make these tenders your own. This way, each meal can feel new and exciting. Baking is great, but you can also air fry these tenders. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You can achieve a crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Grilling is another option. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a shallow container. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method makes them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture will not be as good. If you use the microwave, heat them for one to two minutes. Check if they are warm enough before serving. If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps their taste and texture nice. You should bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake them at 425°F (220°C). Check if they are cooked through. The coating should be golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through baking for even cooking. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. Make sure the strips are about the same size as tenderloins. This helps them cook evenly. The cooking time may change slightly. Some great dipping sauces are honey mustard and barbecue sauce. Ranch dressing also works well. You can try hot sauce for a kick. Consider making a yogurt dip for a healthy twist. Yes, these chicken tenders can be healthy. They use whole wheat breadcrumbs and lean chicken. You control the ingredients and can add your favorite spices. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on fat. Enjoy them guilt-free! This blog showed you how to make tasty baked chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, simple steps, and tips for crispiness. You learned variations and storage tips too. These chicken tenders are fun to make and share. Try them out for a meal or snack. Enjoy making this healthy dish for yourself and loved ones. Your next cooking adventure starts now!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy Alternative: This recipe uses whole wheat breadcrumbs and lean chicken, making it a nutritious choice for a family meal.
  2. Crispy Texture: The combination of Parmesan cheese and spices creates a deliciously crispy coating that’s sure to satisfy.
  3. Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, these chicken tenders are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

To make crispy baked chicken tenders, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

– 1 pound chicken tenderloins

– 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 2 large eggs

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon honey

– Olive oil spray

Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Chicken tenderloins give a tender bite. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty richness. Garlic and onion powders add savory notes. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste.

Eggs act as a binding agent. Dijon mustard and honey add a sweet and tangy layer of flavor. Finally, olive oil spray helps achieve that golden brown finish. This dish is both tasty and healthy, making it a great family meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Prepare the Coating Mixtures

In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to mix them well. This blend adds flavor and texture to the chicken.

In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. Add in the Dijon mustard and honey. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Place each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them in a single layer for even cooking.

Bake the Chicken Tenders

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This step helps them turn golden and crispy. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, turn the tenders for even browning. They are done when they are cooked through and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them on a platter with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious crispy baked chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Extra Crispiness

To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, start with dry chicken. Pat the tenderloins with paper towels to remove moisture. Next, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. They give a crunch and add flavor. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick. Lastly, spray a light coat of olive oil on top before baking. It aids in browning and crispiness.

Ideal Cooking Techniques

Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to allow air to circulate. Turn them halfway through cooking. This ensures they brown evenly on both sides. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Essential Tools for Success

Use a good baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. A mixing bowl is important for your coating mixtures. A whisk helps blend the egg mixture smoothly. Finally, keep a spatula handy for flipping the tenders. These tools make the process easier and more fun!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular whole wheat breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor and moisture, marinate the chicken tenderloins in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least 30 minutes before coating them.
  3. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile can elevate your chicken tenders.
  4. Store and Reheat Properly: To keep leftovers crispy, store them in a single layer on a wire rack. When reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave to regain the crunch.

Variations

Gluten-Free Options

If you want a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can also crush gluten-free corn flakes for a crunchy texture. This keeps the dish crispy, tasty, and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Flavorful Seasoning Adjustments

You can change the flavors easily. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Use lemon zest for a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to make these tenders your own. This way, each meal can feel new and exciting.

Cooking Method Alternatives

Baking is great, but you can also air fry these tenders. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You can achieve a crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Grilling is another option. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a shallow container. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days.

Reheating Guidelines

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method makes them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture will not be as good. If you use the microwave, heat them for one to two minutes. Check if they are warm enough before serving.

Freezing for Future Meals

If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps their taste and texture nice.

FAQs

How long do I bake chicken tenders?

You should bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake them at 425°F (220°C). Check if they are cooked through. The coating should be golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through baking for even cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. Make sure the strips are about the same size as tenderloins. This helps them cook evenly. The cooking time may change slightly.

What dipping sauces pair well with baked chicken tenders?

Some great dipping sauces are honey mustard and barbecue sauce. Ranch dressing also works well. You can try hot sauce for a kick. Consider making a yogurt dip for a healthy twist.

Are these chicken tenders healthy?

Yes, these chicken tenders can be healthy. They use whole wheat breadcrumbs and lean chicken. You control the ingredients and can add your favorite spices. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on fat. Enjoy them guilt-free!

This blog showed you how to make tasty baked chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, simple steps, and tips for crispiness. You learned variations and storage tips too. These chicken tenders are fun to make and share. Try them out for a meal or snack. Enjoy making this healthy dish for yourself and loved ones. Your next cooking adventure starts no

To make crispy baked chicken tenders, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Olive oil spray Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Chicken tenderloins give a tender bite. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty richness. Garlic and onion powders add savory notes. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste. Eggs act as a binding agent. Dijon mustard and honey add a sweet and tangy layer of flavor. Finally, olive oil spray helps achieve that golden brown finish. This dish is both tasty and healthy, making it a great family meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to mix them well. This blend adds flavor and texture to the chicken. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. Add in the Dijon mustard and honey. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Take each chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Place each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This step helps them turn golden and crispy. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, turn the tenders for even browning. They are done when they are cooked through and crispy. Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them on a platter with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious crispy baked chicken tenders! To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, start with dry chicken. Pat the tenderloins with paper towels to remove moisture. Next, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. They give a crunch and add flavor. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick. Lastly, spray a light coat of olive oil on top before baking. It aids in browning and crispiness. Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to allow air to circulate. Turn them halfway through cooking. This ensures they brown evenly on both sides. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Use a good baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. A mixing bowl is important for your coating mixtures. A whisk helps blend the egg mixture smoothly. Finally, keep a spatula handy for flipping the tenders. These tools make the process easier and more fun! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular whole wheat breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor and moisture, marinate the chicken tenderloins in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least 30 minutes before coating them. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile can elevate your chicken tenders. Store and Reheat Properly: To keep leftovers crispy, store them in a single layer on a wire rack. When reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave to regain the crunch. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can also crush gluten-free corn flakes for a crunchy texture. This keeps the dish crispy, tasty, and safe for gluten-sensitive diets. You can change the flavors easily. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Use lemon zest for a fresh taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to make these tenders your own. This way, each meal can feel new and exciting. Baking is great, but you can also air fry these tenders. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You can achieve a crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Grilling is another option. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in a shallow container. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method makes them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture will not be as good. If you use the microwave, heat them for one to two minutes. Check if they are warm enough before serving. If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps their taste and texture nice. You should bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake them at 425°F (220°C). Check if they are cooked through. The coating should be golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through baking for even cooking. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. Make sure the strips are about the same size as tenderloins. This helps them cook evenly. The cooking time may change slightly. Some great dipping sauces are honey mustard and barbecue sauce. Ranch dressing also works well. You can try hot sauce for a kick. Consider making a yogurt dip for a healthy twist. Yes, these chicken tenders can be healthy. They use whole wheat breadcrumbs and lean chicken. You control the ingredients and can add your favorite spices. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on fat. Enjoy them guilt-free! This blog showed you how to make tasty baked chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, simple steps, and tips for crispiness. You learned variations and storage tips too. These chicken tenders are fun to make and share. Try them out for a meal or snack. Enjoy making this healthy dish for yourself and loved ones. Your next cooking adventure starts now!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 spray olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add in the Dijon mustard and honey, whisking until smooth.
  • Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  • Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray to help them become golden and crispy.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with honey mustard or a zesty dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, tenders

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