Savor the delight of Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, a healthier and equally tasty version of the classic. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, they're perfect with roasted vegetables, salads, or your favorite sauces, ideal for any meal or snack.
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.
Notes
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders:
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.