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To create the best crispy baked chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound chicken breast tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Cooking spray These ingredients work together to deliver great flavor and texture. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the spices add depth. The panko breadcrumbs make the tenders extra crunchy. Using these exact ingredients will help you achieve the perfect crispiness. Enjoy the process as you prepare these delicious chicken tenders! - In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. - Add the chicken tenders, making sure they’re fully submerged. - Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor. Marinating keeps the chicken tender and juicy. The buttermilk helps to break down proteins, making the meat softer. This step is vital for great taste and texture. - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. - Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt, and the last with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. A well-organized station makes breading easy. Each bowl has a purpose, ensuring a perfect coating every time. - Take each chicken tender from the marinade, letting excess drip off. - Dredge it in flour, shaking off the extra. - Dip the tender in the seasoning mix, coating it evenly. - Finally, press it into the panko mixture for a thick, crispy layer. This three-step breading process gives each tender a crunchy texture. The panko breadcrumbs provide that extra crispiness that everyone loves. - Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. - Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp. - Bake for about 18-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and the coating is golden brown. The cooking spray is key for achieving that perfect crunch. Keep an eye on them as they bake. You want a beautiful, golden color! Using panko breadcrumbs is key. They add a light and airy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can’t match that texture. For even coating, make sure to shake off excess flour. This helps the egg wash stick better. Use baking spray on the chicken before it goes in the oven. This step adds extra crunch while it bakes. Marinating chicken in buttermilk makes it juicy and flavorful. I suggest marinating for at least one hour. For the best taste and texture, let it sit overnight. The longer marination allows the flavors to sink in fully. These chicken tenders pair well with many dipping sauces. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are great options. For sides, consider crispy fries or a fresh salad. These add color and balance to your meal. {{image_2}} You can change the taste by adding different seasonings or herbs. Try Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh twist. If you like heat, add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. These changes can make your chicken tenders exciting and full of flavor. For a new texture, use crushed cornflakes or crackers instead of panko. This gives the chicken tenders a unique crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour works well. It adds a nutty taste and keeps the tenders crispy. If you have an air fryer, use it for a faster option. Cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway for even crispiness. You can also grill the chicken tenders for a smoky flavor. Grill them over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Both methods give you tasty, crispy chicken tenders. To keep your crispy baked chicken tenders fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature. - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Using glass containers works well, as they seal tightly and help avoid moisture loss. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key: - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. - Heat for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crunchy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the tenders soggy. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken tenders: - For uncooked tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. - For cooked tenders, cool completely before placing in a freezer bag. - When ready, thaw uncooked tenders in the fridge overnight. - Cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. For cooked ones, thaw in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 1 hour. This time allows the meat to soak up the flavors. For best taste and texture, marinate overnight. The longer marination makes the chicken tender and juicy. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips about the same size as tenders. This way, they will cook evenly. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if your strips are thicker. To ensure crispy baked chicken, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs. Also, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps achieve that golden crust. Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time. Bread them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors meld together. Just bake them when you are ready to eat. Crispy chicken tenders go well with many dipping sauces. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are favorites. You can also try spicy mayo or a tangy garlic aioli for a twist. In this post, we covered the ingredients and steps for making juicy baked chicken tenders. You learned about the marinade, the perfect breading process, and how to achieve extra crispiness. Remember, marinating adds flavor and moisture. You can explore variations for an exciting twist. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later, and don’t forget those tasty dipping sauces! With these tips in hand, you can create a simple and delicious meal any day. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Craving a delicious and healthy snack? Try these crispy baked chicken tenders! Coated in a savory blend of spices and Parmesan, these tenders are both easy to make and impossible to resist. Marinated for flavor and baked to perfection, they come out golden brown and crispy every time. Perfect for a family dinner or an appetizer, explore the full recipe now and take your cooking to the next level!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for best results.

    Prepare Your Breading Station: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt, and the third with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the seasoning mix, coating it evenly, and finally, press it into the panko mixture to ensure a thick, crispy coating.

        Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

          Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve these crispy baked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 4 (approx. 12-16 tenders)