Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders offer a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken tenders, making them a healthier yet equally tasty choice. These tenders, with their crispy and golden-brown exterior, are cooked using simple pantry staples. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also fit seamlessly into any meal plan, whether you're seeking a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Enjoy these delicious tenders alongside your favorite vegetables or dip them in a homemade sauce for a meal that promises flavor without the guilt. Ideal for those who love fried chicken but are mindful of their health, these Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Discover a Variety of Chicken Tenders and Baked Delights:
- Fried Chicken Tenders
- Baked Chicken Tenders
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To whip up these mouth-watering Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, you'll need a few basic ingredients typically found in your pantry. Here's what you'll require:
- Chicken Tenderloins: Ideal for this dish, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts cut into tender-sized strips.
- Seasonings: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, and salt for a flavorful coating. For an extra zest, consider adding sriracha sauce and honey mustard.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese panko breadcrumbs are key for that perfect crispy and crunchy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: It forms a crisp layer on the chicken.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the breading to the chicken and adding moisture.
- Cooking Oil Spray: Helps the chicken to crisp up in the oven.
- Cooking Oil: Choose vegetable or olive oil for toasting the breadcrumbs, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken Tenders at Home?
Discover the art of making Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders with our engaging visual guide. From breadcrumb preparation to breading and oven frying, our photos and video make each step simple and enjoyable.
Explore a World of Delicious Fried Chicken Dishes and More:
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1¾ lb Chicken Tenders, 8 pieces or use chicken breast that is sliced into strips
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley Leaves
- Salt, to taste
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce, or hot sauce of your choice
- 1 tbsp Honey Mustard
- 2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Oil
For Breading
- 1½ cup Japanese Panko Breadcrumb
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ¾ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¾ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- Oil Spray
Instructions
To Prep Breadcrumb
- Begin by warming 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Gently toast the panko breadcrumbs until they adopt a golden color, then set them aside for the next steps.
To Bread the Chicken Tenders
- In a large bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and salt. Stir thoroughly.
- Add beaten eggs, Sriracha sauce, honey mustard, and all-purpose flour. Mix to create a well-seasoned batter.
- Coat the chicken tenderloins in the batter, ensuring an even coverage. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate tray, blend the toasted breadcrumbs with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Finally, dredge each marinated chicken tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
To Make Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd. Optionally, spritz them with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake in a preheated 390°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a crispy golden color. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer to ensure they're fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. They're now ready to be savored.
To Serve
- Enjoy these crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders as a versatile dish. Pair them with your favorite dips like tartar, chili, or honey mustard sauce for a snack, or accompany them with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a satisfying main course.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Achieving Golden Crispiness: Toast the Panko breadcrumbs until golden brown before coating the chicken. This step is crucial for that desired crispy, golden finish.
- Resting the Chicken: For enhanced flavor and tenderness, let the chicken marinate in the seasoned batter for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
- Temperature and Time: Preheat your oven to 390°F. Bake the tenders for 15-20 minutes, keeping in mind that they cook quicker than bone-in chicken, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Internal Temperature Check: To ensure safety and doneness, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended by the FDA. A kitchen thermometer is an invaluable tool for accurately checking this.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Delve into our variety of fried chicken recipes, complemented by diverse salads, dips, and sauces. Perfect for social events, these crispy, savory treats are sure to delight your palate and enhance any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders with these tempting side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal:
- Roasted or Baked Vegetables: Opt for roasted broccoli, carrots, or baked potatoes. These veggies provide a healthy balance to the richness of the chicken tenders.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, dressed in your favorite vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A classic creamy coleslaw complements the crispy texture of the chicken tenders.
- Mac and Cheese: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food pairing with creamy mac and cheese alongside your tenders.
- French Fries: A timeless and delicious combination, french fries served with fried chicken are perfect for a casual, indulgent meal.
- Sauce Selections: Enhance the flavors with a variety of sauces like buffalo, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, tartar, or hot sauce. Don't forget a side of ranch dip for a creamy touch.
Storage Suggestions
Here are some practical storage suggestions for your Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders:
- Immediate Consumption: These tenders are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven for maximum crispiness and flavor.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for up to two days. To recrisp, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they're crispy again.
- Freezing for Later Use: For future convenience, you can bread the chicken tenders and freeze them. Place them in a ziplock bag and they'll keep for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders anytime without the need for full prep each time.
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