Craving a quick, healthy, and undeniably delicious meal the whole family will love? Look no further! These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer. They’re packed with flavor, require minimal effort, and are baked to crispy perfection, not fried. Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to a guilt-free weeknight favorite! I promise, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my mom always made the best chicken nuggets. We’d beg her to make them every week. As I got older, I wanted to recreate that comforting flavor with a healthier twist. That’s how these Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders were born. They capture the magic of those childhood favorites but are baked, not fried, and coated in a flavorful breading I know you’ll adore. It’s a trip down memory lane with a healthy upgrade!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch thick strips. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and flour. Mix well.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even browning.
- Serve: Let the Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch thick strips. Season with salt and pepper.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and flour. Mix well.1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 large eggs, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even browning.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!