Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy something irresistibly crunchy, golden, and oh-so-satisfying? Today’s recipe celebrates a true family favorite — Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders! 🍗✨

These tenders are the perfect combination of juicy chicken inside and a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating on the outside — all baked to golden perfection instead of fried. That’s right, you can indulge guilt-free while keeping things light and wholesome. No need for deep fryers or greasy messes — just your oven, a baking tray, and a few pantry staples.

Whether you’re making a kid-friendly dinner, prepping for a picnic, or looking for the ultimate game-day snack, these chicken tenders hit all the right notes. Dip them in your favorite sauce — honey mustard, ranch, or spicy buffalo — and watch them disappear in seconds. 😋

It’s the kind of recipe that takes you back to childhood comfort food but feels fresh, healthy, and full of homemade love. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get cooking — crispy perfection awaits! 🌟

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (to help crisp up the coating)

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp water

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
2. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Place a wire rack on top if you have one — it helps the tenders crisp up evenly.
3. Prepare the Breading
   In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to evenly coat the breadcrumbs with oil — this ensures a perfectly golden crunch!
4. Coat the Chicken
   Beat the eggs with water in a small bowl. Remove chicken from marinade, dip each piece into the egg wash, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
   Lay the coated chicken tenders on the prepared tray, spacing them out so they bake evenly and don’t steam.
6. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 18 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 33 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~290 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 350mg

These baked chicken tenders are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and far healthier than their fried counterparts. Pair them with a light salad, roasted veggies, or a side of sweet potato fries for a meal that’s simple, wholesome, and full of flavor! 💛

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#crispychickentenders #homemadegoodness #bakednotfried #familyfavorites #easyweeknightmeals

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️