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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders in a baking tray with hot sauce and lemon slice along side.

Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

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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.
Course Appetizers, Side Dish, Snacks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 418
Author Sangeetha Vel

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
US Customary - Metric

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.
    Toasting the breadcrumbs in a pan.

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.
    A bowl with basic seasoning powders.
  • 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.
    A bowl with seasoning 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.
    A bowl with chicken tenders that is coated in batter.

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.
    A shallow tray with breading 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.
    showing the Breaded chicken tender.

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.
    A baking tray with breaded chicken tenders.
  • 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.
    Breaded chicken tenders placed inside the oven.
  • Once fully cooked, remove the tenders from the oven. Let them cool slightly, and they’re ready to enjoy.
    A tray with oven fried chicken tenders.

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.
    Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders served in a baking tray.

Notes

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

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

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