CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE SUPER EASY 🍽️

Gather ’round, my fellow comfort food fanatics! 🤗 Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds do a little happy dance — Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders that are bursting with bold, smoky-sweet flavor. These aren’t your average chicken strips, my friends. Nope, we’re talking juicy, tender chicken encased in a golden, crispy coating that’ll have you craving more with every bite. Let’s get ready to indulge in some seriously craveable comfort food! 😋🔥

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food makeover! 🥰 They’ve got all the crave-worthy goodness of classic fried chicken, but without the mess and hassle of frying. Instead, we’re baking them to golden, crispy perfection in the oven for a healthier, easier approach.

The best part? These chicken tenders are packed with big, bold flavors thanks to a signature spice blend that’ll have your taste buds begging for more. And if you’re curious about techniques for getting that perfect oven crisp without deep frying, you might find this guide to oven-frying techniques from Serious Eats really helpful.

Get ready to wow your family and friends with this easy-to-make, absolutely irresistible recipe! 😍

Key Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

The key to getting that perfect crispy coating is making sure your chicken is completely dry before breading. Any excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of crisping it up. So, be sure to pat those tenders down with paper towels until they’re nice and dry before you start the breading process.

• The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — Want to take your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders to the next level? The secret is all in the spice blend! 🌶️ By mixing together a variety of warm, smoky, and slightly sweet spices, you’ll create a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. The key is to let the spices really stick to the chicken, so be sure to give those tenders a good coating before baking.
• The Biggest Mistake to Avoid — The key to getting that perfect crispy coating is making sure your chicken is completely dry before breading. Any excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of crisping it up. So, be sure to pat those tenders down with paper towels until they’re nice and dry before you start the breading process.

What to Serve With Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing main dish, so they pair perfectly with all your favorite sides and dipping sauces.

• Mashed Potatoes — The creamy, comforting flavors of mashed potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to these crispy chicken tenders. 🍽️
• Fresh Salad — Balance out the richness of the chicken with a bright, crunchy salad for a well-rounded meal. 🥗
• Buttery Rolls — Warm, soft dinner rolls are the perfect way to soak up every last drop of that delicious chicken flavor. 🥖
• Refreshing Lemonade — A cool, tangy lemonade is the perfect thirst-quenching beverage to enjoy with these crispy chicken tenders. 🥤

When to serve it: These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal. 🎉

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to pack some serious flavor into your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! 🔥 You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken tenders, a blend of spices like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar, plus some all-purpose flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy coating. A little olive oil helps the spices stick and the tenders get gloriously golden brown. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to chicken tender bliss! 😋

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders — Tender, juicy chicken is the star!
• 2 tbsp paprika — For that smoky, bold flavor.
• 1 tsp chili powder — A touch of heat and spice.
• 1 tsp garlic powder — Adds savory, aromatic notes.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar — Provides a delicious, caramelized sweetness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour — The base for the crispy coating.
• 2 large eggs, beaten — Helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs — For that irresistible crunch factor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — Gives the tenders that gorgeous golden color.

Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)

• Chicken tenders → Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (still delicious, promise) ✅
• Breadcrumbs → Crushed nuts, crushed pork rinds, or finely ground oats (easy dietary swap) 👍

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get those chicken tenders ready for their crispy makeover! 🙌 We’ll start by prepping the chicken, then breading it to perfection before baking it to golden, crave-worthy goodness.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, let’s get that chicken ready for its crispy makeover! 🙌 Pat the tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then season them up with the spice blend. Make sure to really rub it in to get maximum flavor.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to bread those babies up! Set up a simple breading station with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each tender in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Arrange the coated tenders on a baking sheet and drizzle with a touch of olive oil to help them get extra crispy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop those tenders in the oven and let them work their magic! Bake until they’re golden brown and the coating is perfectly crispy. 🔥 Once they’re done, it’s time to dig in and enjoy every last bite of these seriously craveable chicken tenders.

Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)

Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.

• Try a Cheesy Twist — Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating for extra savory flavor. 🧀
• Switch Up the Spices — Experiment with different spice blends, like a zesty Cajun seasoning or a smoky barbecue rub. 🌶️
• Get Saucy — Toss the baked tenders in your favorite sauce, like honey mustard or Buffalo, for a fun twist. 🍯
• Air Fry for Extra Crispiness — Air frying is a great way to get that irresistible crispy coating without all the oil. 🔥

Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴

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Serving & Storage

Topic	Notes
Best Serving Ideas	Serve these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders as the main event with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer or game day snack when paired with your go-to dipping sauces! 😋
Fridge Storage	Keep the cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage	These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating (oven/air fryer)	Pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips	You can prep the chicken tenders up to a day in advance by breading them and storing them in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes for easy, stress-free meal prep! 👍

Nutrition Notes

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on a classic comfort food favorite. 🥰 By baking instead of frying, we’re able to cut down on the fat and calories without sacrificing any of the delicious, crispy flavor. Plus, the addition of bold spices and herbs means you’re getting a boost of antioxidants and flavor in every bite. So go ahead and indulge in this crave-worthy recipe — your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you! 😊

• Serving Size: 4-5 chicken tenders
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Sodium: 650 mg

Quick Questions People Always Ask

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