Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Okay, listen up, because if your idea of a gourmet meal involves anything that *doesn’t* require a deep fryer or an hour of scrubbing oil from every surface, then you’re about to meet your new best friend: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders. We’re talking golden, crunchy perfection that tastes like takeout without the guilt (or the delivery fee). This isn’t just chicken; it’s a testament to the fact that you can achieve glorious crispiness right in your own oven, without setting off the smoke detector—unless, of course, you get distracted by TikTok, which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility. This recipe is special because it’s surprisingly simple, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for when you want to feel like a kitchen wizard without actually having to *be* one.
My husband, bless his heart, decided one evening he was going to be my sous chef for these Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders. His first task: flatten the chicken. Now, you know how some people gently pound chicken? He went full Thor on those poor tenders, turning them into what looked like avant-garde chicken splatter. Then, when it came to dredging, he decided the “dusting” part meant “burying them completely in flour like a archaeological dig.” The kitchen looked like a flour bomb went off, the chicken was chunky, and honestly, the only thing crispy was my patience. The kids, naturally, just asked if they could eat the flour. We eventually salvaged the chicken (after a brief intervention and a new batch of tenders), but I’m pretty sure I’m still finding flour in nooks and crannies I didn’t know existed.
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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
- Because you deserve something delicious that doesn’t require a culinary degree or an hour-long cleanup. Seriously, you’ve earned this.
- It’s crispy without the oil slick – so you can pretend you’re being healthy, even as you dip it in all the sauces your heart desires. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.
- It makes your house smell amazing, which is a nice change from that “mystery funk” that seems to perpetually linger around the laundry pile.
- Perfect for picky eaters (i.e., your kids) because, let’s face it, who says no to a chicken tender? Exactly.
- It’s so easy, you might even fool yourself into thinking you’ve become one of those effortlessly chic home cooks. Just don’t tell anyone it took minimal effort.
Time-Saving Hacks
- Use parchment paper. Seriously. The only thing worse than cooking is scrubbing baked-on crud. This is a game-changer for dish avoidance.
- The “one-bowl wonder” approach: mix everything (minus the breading, obviously) in the largest bowl you own, even if it feels excessive. Less dish-swapping, more living.
- Don’t be afraid to use pre-cut chicken tenders. We all have those days where touching raw chicken feels like too much commitment. No judgment here.
- For maximum efficiency (and minimal dishes), line your baking sheet with foil *then* parchment. That way, you just crumple and toss. You’re welcome.
- “Accidentally” drop a few tenders directly onto the oven rack so they fall into the drip pan below. Fewer tenders on the pan means less to wash! (Just kidding… mostly).
Serving Ideas
Serve these bad boys with a side of “I’m too tired to cook anything else” salad, or if you’re feeling fancy, a pile of sweet potato fries you *definitely* didn’t just dump from a frozen bag. A glass of wine is practically mandatory if your day involved too many “Mom, he touched me!” incidents, or just because it’s Tuesday. Honestly, sometimes I just eat them straight off the baking sheet while standing over the sink. No judgment here; we’re all just trying to get through dinner.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t overcrowd the pan, folks. I know, I know, you want to cook them all at once because who has time for multiple batches? But resist the urge! Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping, and nobody wants soggy tenders. Also, don’t skimp on patting the chicken dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. And for the love of all that is delicious, don’t walk away from the oven for “just a minute” to check your phone. That minute turns into five, and suddenly you have charcoal-flavored tenders. Learn from my mistakes, save your taste buds.
Storage Tips
Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.1 lb chicken breast fillets cut into strips
- 1.5 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for eggs, and another for panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan.
- Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko mixture.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.