Craving a quick and easy dinner that’s both healthy and unbelievably delicious? Look no further than Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders! Forget greasy takeout and hello to juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crispy coating. As a busy parent, I know how valuable mealtime shortcuts are, and that’s why I perfected this recipe for tender, baked chicken that the whole family will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother used to say, “The best things in life are simple.” These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders remind me of that. Growing up, she always had a way of making the simplest meals taste like a gourmet feast. While she traditionally fried her chicken, I wanted to create a healthier version without sacrificing the flavor and that comforting crispy texture. This recipe is a tribute to her, a nod to tradition with a modern, healthy twist.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch thick strips.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Drizzle the olive oil and mix well with your hands.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Flip halfway through to assure it cooks evenly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Juicy, flavorful baked chicken tenders with a perfectly crispy coating, a healthy alternative to greasy takeout.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch thick strips.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Add chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Drizzle the olive oil and mix well with your hands.1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Flip halfway through to assure it cooks evenly.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!