Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

What Ingredients are used to make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

This scrumptious, crispy baked chicken tenders recipe calls for a variety of flavorful ingredients. You'll need boneless, skinless chicken tenders as the star of the dish. To create a tangy marinade, you'll mix buttermilk and hot sauce (Buffalo hot sauce is recommended).

For the crispy outer layer, gather panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, a little flour, and melted butter. Enhance the flavors with a blend of spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finally, don't forget the cooking spray for preparing your baking sheet. With these tasty ingredients, you're all set to make a delicious main dish that will leave everyone craving more!

How to make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders – Overview

You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders from scratch!

Get ready to make some mouthwatering crispy baked chicken strips that'll have everyone asking for more! Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper and cooking spray. Next, create an irresistible marinade by combining buttermilk and hot sauce, then toss the chicken tenders into the mixture in a shallow dish, ensuring they're well-coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

While you wait, prepare the breadcrumb and flour mixture by combining panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, flour, melted butter, and a mix of delicious spices. When the chicken is ready, remove it from the marinade, coat each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the chicken tenders until they're golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway to achieve even crispiness on both sides. Enjoy sharing your passion for amazing food with family and friends as you indulge in these delectable crispy baked chicken tenders!

Alternate Cooking Methods

If you're looking for some alternate cooking methods for these delicious crispy chicken fingers, I've got a couple of options for you to try out:

1. Pan-frying: You can make fried chicken tenders! Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer chicken tenders to a wire rack over paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.
   You can also try deep frying your chicken tender with this method, if you prefer.
2. Air-frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving space in between to ensure even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they're golden brown and fully cooked through, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking process.

These alternative cooking methods can provide a different texture and flavor experience while still using the same tasty ingredients from the original recipe. No matter which method you choose, you'll surely enjoy these crispy chicken tenders and share your passion for amazing food with your loved ones!

What temperature should chicken tenders be cooked at?

Chicken tenders should be cooked at a temperature of 400°F (204°C) in a preheated oven. Following the crispy baked chicken tenders recipe, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Flipping the tenders halfway through the baking process helps to achieve even crispiness on both sides. Enjoy making these delicious chicken tenders and sharing your passion for amazing food with your loved ones!

Can I make these using cuts of Chicken other than tenders?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken cuts other than tenders for this recipe! You can opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, just make sure to cut them into even-sized strips or pieces.

This will help ensure even cooking and a similar texture to chicken tenders. Follow the same marinating and coating process, and adjust the baking time if needed, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

I don't have buttermilk! What can I use instead?

If you find yourself without buttermilk, don't worry!

You can still make these amazing breaded chicken tenders by using an egg mixture as a substitute. While buttermilk imparts a unique taste and tenderness to the chicken, a beaten egg will also do the trick. To make the egg mixture, simply whisk together one or two eggs in a bowl.

Dip the chicken tenders into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then press each tender into the bread crumb mixture. Place the coated chicken tenders on a cookie sheet and bake them as usual. With this simple swap, you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy chicken tenders in no time!

If you don't have buttermilk or eggs on hand, there's no need to worry!

You can still create these amazing breaded chicken tenders by making your own buttermilk mixture. While buttermilk gives the chicken a unique taste and tenderness, and beaten egg works as a great alternative, a homemade buttermilk mixture can also do the trick. To make your own buttermilk mixture, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Use this mixture to marinate the chicken tenders, then press each tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated chicken tenders on a cookie sheet and bake them as usual. With this simple solution, you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy chicken tenders in no time! 😋🍗✨

Why are my baked chicken tenders soggy?

If your baked chicken tenders are turning out soggy, there could be a few reasons for this. First, make sure you're allowing any excess buttermilk marinade to drip off before coating the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture.

Too much liquid can cause sogginess. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F and that you're using a parchment paper-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray for optimal crispiness.

Spacing the tenders on the baking sheet is essential, as it allows for even cooking and proper air circulation around each piece. Lastly, don't forget to flip the tenders halfway through the baking process to achieve a crispy texture on both sides.

By following these tips, you'll be on your way to making delicious, crispy baked chicken tenders that will have everyone asking for more! Enjoy sharing your passion for amazing food with family and friends!

Can I make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these crispy baked chicken tenders ahead of time to make your meal planning more convenient. Start by marinating the chicken in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, you can also mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, melted butter, and assorted spices in a separate dish, storing it in an airtight container until you're ready to cook.

When it's time to bake, simply remove the marinated chicken tenders from the fridge, coat them with the breadcrumb and panko mixture, and arrange them on a prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and fully cooked through, flipping halfway for even crispiness. Enjoy sharing this delicious meal with family and friends, knowing that you've saved time with your make-ahead preparations!

If you want to savor these tasty tenders later, check out the tips below on how to freeze them! Don't worry; it's super simple, and you'll be able to enjoy them whenever you want 😊.

Can I Freeze Crispy Chicken Tenders?

Yes, you can prepare these crispy baked chicken tenders ahead of time and even freeze them for a convenient meal option later on! To do this, follow the recipe steps up to the point where you've coated the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mixture. Instead of baking them right away, arrange the coated tenders on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between for even freezing.

Place the baking sheet with the chicken tenders in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until they are frozen solid. Once they're fully frozen, transfer the tenders to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy them.

When it's time to cook your frozen chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and cooking spray. Place the frozen tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for even cooking. Bake the chicken tenders for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Flip the tenders halfway through baking to achieve even crispiness on both sides.

With these make-ahead and freeze instructions, you'll have a delicious and convenient meal option ready for when you need it. Enjoy sharing these delightful crispy baked chicken tenders with family and friends!

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

To store leftover crispy baked chicken tenders, first, let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer the tenders to an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When stored in the freezer, they can last for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they're warmed through and regain their crispiness.

How long are Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders good for?

Crispy baked chicken tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to preserve their quality and taste.

Recipe Variations

If you're looking for some easy and simple variations to the crispy baked chicken tenders recipe, here are a few ideas to try out:

1. Lemon-Pepper Chicken Tenders: Add the zest of one lemon and 1-2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture to give your tenders a zesty, tangy twist. You can also add a little lemon juice to the buttermilk mixture if you like.
2. BBQ Chicken Tenders: Swap out the Buffalo hot sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce in the buttermilk marinade, and add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the breadcrumb mixture for a sweet and smoky flavor.
3. Italian-Style Chicken Tenders: Replace the smoked paprika and ground mustard with 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes for a taste of Italy in every bite.
4. Ranch Chicken Tenders: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture for a deliciously tangy and herby coating.

Looking for more ways to spice up this already great recipe?

Transform your chicken tenders into mouthwatering chicken nuggets with a few simple changes! First, cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces before marinating.

You can add a more of a kick of heat by mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices in the breadcrumb mixture.

If you don't have panko crumbs on hand, don't worry – simply use regular breadcrumbs in place of panko crumbs for a slightly different texture.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own homemade chicken tenders flavor combinations! Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment with different ingredients to make these crispy baked chicken tenders even more amazing. Enjoy sharing your passion for food with family and friends! 😋🍗✨