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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten - 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Serving suggestions (honey mustard, lemon wedges) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these crispy baked chicken tenders. You need boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender meat. Whole wheat flour forms a base that sticks well. Large eggs help the coating adhere. Whole grain breadcrumbs give that perfect crunch. For seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste without being overpowering. Paprika gives a nice color and mild heat. Salt and black pepper bring balance, while cayenne pepper offers a kick if you want it spicy. Don’t forget the olive oil! It helps achieve that golden color. You can serve these tenders with honey mustard or lemon wedges for a fresh twist. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by getting your oven hot. This helps the chicken cook evenly. The parchment paper stops sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Prepare flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixtures. - Whisk eggs and season breadcrumbs. Next, set up three bowls. In the first, add whole wheat flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until they look smooth. In the last bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you like spice. This mix gives great flavor! - Coat chicken strips in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. - Arrange on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Now, take a chicken strip. First, coat it in the flour. Shake off any extra. Then dip it in the egg. Let excess drip off. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Make sure it’s covered well. Place the coated chicken on your baking sheet. Leave space between each piece. Drizzle olive oil on top to help them get crispy. - Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. - Flip tenders halfway through baking. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Set a timer for 18 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the tenders over. This helps them cook evenly and get golden brown. - Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Let rest before serving. When the time is up, check the chicken’s temperature. It needs to be 165°F (74°C). If it’s not ready, bake a few more minutes. Once done, take them out and let them rest. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tasty! To get your chicken tenders super crispy, space matters. Leaving space between each tender ensures hot air flows around them. This helps them cook evenly, making them crispy all over. Using olive oil is key, too. A light drizzle adds a nice golden color and helps with the crunch. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like oregano or thyme. You could also mix in some lemon zest for a fresh taste. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours boosts the flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Just remember to pat the chicken dry before breading. For dipping, honey mustard is a classic choice. You can also serve ranch or barbecue sauce for variety. Pair your chicken tenders with fresh veggie sticks like carrots or cucumber. A side of sweet potato fries or a crisp salad complements the meal nicely. Pro Tips Coat for Crunch: For extra crunch, consider double-coating the chicken tenders. After the first breadcrumb layer, dip them again in egg and then coat with breadcrumbs once more. Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different spices in your breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor. Try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of cumin for a unique twist. Resting Time: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest after baking not only keeps them juicy but also helps the crust set, making them even crispier. Perfect Dipping Sauces: Pair these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy barbecue, or a refreshing yogurt dip for an elevated experience. {{image_4}} You can change up the taste of your chicken tenders easily. For a spicy kick, add extra cayenne pepper. Just a bit can make a big difference. If you want a fresh taste, try using herb-infused breadcrumbs. Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor. Looking for healthier options? You can use almond flour instead of whole wheat flour for a gluten-free choice. This keeps the tenders crispy and delicious. You can also swap chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options still give you great taste while being lower in fat. Make these tenders fun for kids! Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. This can spark their interest in eating. You could also add finely chopped veggies to the mix. Shredded carrots or spinach can sneak in some nutrition while keeping the meal tasty. To store your leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh. If you use glass containers, they work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. To reheat chicken tenders, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You can freeze chicken tenders before or after cooking. If freezing raw, coat them, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. For cooked tenders, let them cool and then pack them. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This method ensures the best results. To keep your chicken tenders crispy, apply a light layer of oil. Drizzle olive oil on top after coating. This adds flavor and helps with crispness. Bake them in a preheated oven. Space them apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate all around. Flip the tenders halfway through baking. This ensures even cooking and browning. Yes, you can prep these chicken tenders ahead of time. Coat the chicken strips and place them on the baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. You can also freeze them. Just make sure they are in a single layer. When ready, bake them from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can serve chicken tenders in many fun ways. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces. Honey mustard or ketchup works great. Add some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Lemon wedges on the side add a zesty touch. For gatherings, consider serving them with veggie sticks. Absolutely! These chicken tenders are a hit with kids. They are crispy, tasty, and easy to eat. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces for smaller kids. Serve them with fun dips to make it more exciting. Most kids love chicken, and this recipe is sure to please! This post outlined simple ways to make delicious chicken tenders. You learned about ingredients, step-by-step baking, and helpful tips. I shared variations to fit your taste and storage methods for leftovers. You can easily impress friends and family with your skills. These tenders are fun to make and are perfect for any meal. Enjoy the process and the tasty results. Happy cooking!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 4 cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Set up three shallow dishes: in the first, pour the whole wheat flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until they are well combined. In the third dish, mix together the whole grain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Take a chicken strip and coat it carefully: first, dip it in the flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until it's fully coated and no bare spots remain.
  • Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each piece for even baking. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenders to assist in achieving a golden, crispy texture.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Remember to flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken is ready when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will help them retain their moisture and enhance flavor.

Notes

Serve with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, tenders