Save to Pinterest Golden, crispy chicken tenders baked to perfection—juicy inside with a flavorful, crunchy coating. Perfect for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
This is a go to recipe for my family when we want something quick yet satisfying. The crunchy coating never disappoints and always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lbs) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Marinade: 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional), ½ tsp garlic powder
- Breading: 100 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 50 g (½ cup) plain breadcrumbs, 40 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Coating: 2 large eggs
- Additional: Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add chicken strips, toss to coat, cover, and marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour for best flavor).
- Step 3:
- In a shallow dish, whisk eggs until smooth.
- Step 4:
- In another dish, mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 5:
- Remove chicken from marinade. Dip each strip first in egg, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 6:
- Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray or drizzle a little oil over them for extra crunch.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F).
- Step 8:
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping me bread the chicken strips, making it a fun family activity every time we make this recipe together.
Notes
Serve with honey mustard ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for best results.
Allergen Information
Contains Egg Milk (buttermilk Parmesan) Wheat (breadcrumbs) Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories 310 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 32 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these crunchy chicken tenders straight from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Common Questions
- → How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?
Lightly spray or drizzle oil on the coated tenders before baking and flip halfway through to ensure even crispiness and a golden finish.
- → Can I substitute buttermilk in the marinade?
Yes, Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk works well as a buttermilk substitute, maintaining the tenderizing effect.
- → What is the ideal internal temperature for baked chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the breading?
Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for an added layer of heat.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the breading?
Yes, using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko and plain breadcrumbs keeps this dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo complement the crunchy coating and tender chicken perfectly.