Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners into a deliciously crispy feast? Look no further than these Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, all without the fuss of frying! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until well combined. This will be used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can use plain, panko, or seasoned breadcrumbs depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
- Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the chicken tenders are on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time. Coat them in the breadcrumbs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before baking.
- Customize Your Coating: Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crunch, while seasoned breadcrumbs can add a burst of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Preheating: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before placing the chicken inside. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
- Spacing is Key: When placing the chicken tenders on the baking sheet, ensure they are spaced apart. This allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue to elevate your meal and satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
