I love making these Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders when I want something crispy and delicious but a little healthier than regular fried chicken tenders. They have that golden-brown crunch we all love, but they’re baked, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
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These tenders are perfect for a quick dinner, a snack, or even as an appetizer when you have friends over. You can enjoy them with your favorite vegetable sides or dip them in a sauce for extra flavor. If you love fried chicken but want a lighter option, these tenders are a great choice and will quickly become a favorite in your home.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make these tasty Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Tenderloins: These are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you don’t have tenderloins, you can easily use boneless chicken breasts. Just slice them into strips about the size of tenders.
- Seasonings: For a flavorful coating, mix garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, and a pinch of salt. If you want a little extra kick, you can add some sriracha sauce or honey mustard to the mix.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, crispy Japanese breadcrumbs are key to getting that crunchy texture. They make a big difference compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps the tenders get that crispy layer by sticking to the chicken and giving the breading something to hold onto.
- Eggs: Whisk the eggs to create a coating that helps the breading stick to the chicken, keeping everything nice and moist.
- Cooking Oil Spray: A light spray of oil helps the chicken tenders get that crispy finish while baking in the oven. It’s an easy way to get the fried texture without deep frying.
- Cooking Oil: Lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a bit of vegetable or olive oil before coating the chicken. This adds extra flavor and makes the breadcrumbs even crunchier.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken Tenders at Home?
Let’s get started and make these Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders. From preparing the breadcrumbs and marinade to breading and baking, our photos and video will guide you through each step, making it easy and fun. Ready to cook?
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Enjoy the goodness of Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, a healthier yet equally delicious take on the classic. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they pair perfectly with roasted veggies, salads, or your favorite sauces, making them great for any meal or snack.
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Ingredients
For the Marination
- 1¾ lb Chicken Tenders
- 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
For the Breading Mixture
- 2 tsp Oil
- 1½ cup Japanese Panko Breadcrumb
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
For Baking
- Oil, to spray
Instructions
Preparing the Breadcrumbs
- Start by heating the oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously. Toast them until they turn golden-brown, being careful not to burn them. This should take a few minutes. When done, transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and set them aside.
Marinating the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the beaten eggs, Sriracha sauce, honey mustard, and all-purpose flour to the spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, well-seasoned batter.
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. You can use your hands or tongs to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Breading the Chicken
- In a separate tray or shallow dish, mix the toasted breadcrumbs with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to make sure the seasonings are evenly blended throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Take each marinated chicken tenderloin one by one and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them stick. Flip the tenderloins over and repeat to fully coat all sides. Shake off any excess before placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Oven Frying the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking. For extra crispiness, you can lightly spritz them with cooking oil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden and crispy. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer and confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F to make sure they're fully cooked.
- Once fully cooked, remove the tenders from the oven. Let them cool slightly, and they’re ready to enjoy.
Serving
- Enjoy these crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders as a versatile dish. Serve them with your favorite dips like tartar, chili, or honey mustard for a tasty snack, or pair them with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a satisfying main course. For more pairing ideas, check out the Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some additional tips to perfect your Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders:
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the tenders on the baking sheet, leave space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate evenly, giving you a crispier result.
- Spray with Oil for Extra Crispiness: Lightly spritz the tenders with cooking oil before baking to help them crisp up even more. This mimics the effect of frying without the added fat.
- Use a Wire Rack: For an even crispier texture, place the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows heat to reach all sides of the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Internal Temperature Check: For safety and doneness, the thickest part of the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, as per FDA guidelines. A kitchen thermometer helps you check this accurately.
- Let Them Rest Before Serving: After removing the tenders from the oven, let them sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the chicken moist inside.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can bread the tenders and freeze them raw for future use. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 836mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 3mg
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.
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Serving Suggestions
Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders make a great snack on their own with dips and sauces. But if you’re looking for a complete meal, pair them with these tempting side dishes:
- French Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries make a tasty pairing with chicken tenders, especially when served with your favorite dips.
- Party Dips: Try a variety of dipping sauces like buffalo, garlic parmesan, bbq, honey mustard, garlic aioli or chili sauce. And don't forget a side of ranch dip for a creamy finish.
- Mac and Cheese: Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with creamy mac and cheese alongside your tenders.
- Roasted or Baked Vegetables: Go for roasted broccoli, carrots, or baked potatoes. These veggies add a healthy balance to the crispy tenders.
- Fresh Salads: A simple salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, drizzled with your favorite vinaigrette, brings a refreshing contrast. You can also try variations like a Greek salad, Coleslaw a Caesar salad with romaine and croutons, or an arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with mixed berries, melon, or pineapple adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken tenders.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and hearty side that pairs well with crispy chicken tenders.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn adds a fresh, summery flavor that complements the crunch of the tenders.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a lighter, healthier option, serve your tenders with quinoa or brown rice, offering extra fiber and nutrition.
Storage Suggestions
I always recommend enjoying these tenders fresh from the oven for the best flavor and crunch, but if you need to save some for later, here’s what I do:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To get that crispiness back, I like to reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they’re crunchy again.
- Freezing for Later: Want to prep ahead? You can bread the chicken tenders and freeze them. Just pop them in a ziplock bag, and they’ll stay good for up to a month. This makes it super easy to have homemade Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders ready anytime without doing all the work again.
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