![For this recipe, I use 2 lbs of chicken breast tenders. These are juicy and tender. They cook quickly and stay moist. If you can’t find tenders, you can cut chicken breasts into strips. This will also work well. The magic of flavor comes from the seasoning and coating. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing These ingredients create a great balance of taste and texture. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. The flour provides a base coat, while the breadcrumbs give that satisfying crunch. To mix things up, consider these optional ingredients: - Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for more flavor. - Try different spices, such as cumin or chili powder, for a unique kick. - For a cheesy twist, add grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mix. These options let you get creative. Feel free to explore flavors that you love. Remember, cooking is all about fun and discovery! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Marinating chicken makes it juicy and tasty. Start with 2 lbs of chicken breast tenders. Place them in a bowl and cover them with 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure each tender is fully coated. This helps the chicken stay moist while baking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For better flavor, let it sit overnight. Next, you need a breading station. Grab three bowls. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Season this flour with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. In the second bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Leave the third bowl empty. This bowl is for dipping the chicken after the flour and before the breadcrumbs. Before you start breading, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key for crispy chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is important for easy cleanup and crispiness. Now, you're ready to bread and bake those delicious chicken tenders! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, airy crust. After breading, drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This helps them crisp up nicely. Make sure to space the tenders on the baking sheet. If they touch, they won’t crisp. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is key. It cooks them fast and gives a golden finish. One mistake I see often is skipping the buttermilk. It makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Don't rush the marinating process; letting them sit overnight gives the best taste. Another pitfall is not preheating the oven. Ensure your oven is hot before cooking. This helps the tenders cook evenly. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too often. It lets heat escape and can lead to soggy tenders. Pair your chicken tenders with tasty sauces for extra flavor. I love honey mustard for a sweet kick. Barbecue sauce adds smokiness, while ranch dressing offers a creamy touch. Want something spicy? Try sriracha mixed with mayo. For a fresh twist, guacamole works great too. Each sauce brings out different flavors in the chicken. Enjoy mixing and matching! {{image_2}} To make spicy oven-baked chicken tenders, add heat! Use cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can mix this into the breadcrumbs. If you want more heat, sprinkle some hot sauce in the buttermilk. This will give your tenders a nice kick. Enjoy the zesty flavor with your favorite dipping sauce. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free cereal. Almond flour works well too. Make sure to check that all ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy chicken tenders without worry. You can change up the flavors easily. Try Italian herbs like basil and thyme for a fresh taste. Use taco seasoning for a fun twist. Simply mix your chosen spices into the flour or breadcrumbs. Experimenting with seasonings lets you create a new flavor each time. Your family will love trying different versions! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to crispy golden oven-baked chicken tenders! After making oven-baked chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot. This method helps them stay crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the tenders may lose their crunch. For freezing, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat as described above. This keeps their flavor and texture intact. Enjoy your crispy golden oven-baked chicken tenders from the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the breading stick better. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave if you're in a hurry. After thawing, follow the same steps as with fresh chicken. To check if the chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The inside should be white, not pink. Oven-baked chicken tenders go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Green salad - Macaroni and cheese - Vegetable sticks with dip These sides make your meal fun and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! For the full recipe, check the complete guide above. You learned all about making oven-baked chicken tenders. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips for the perfect crunch. Remember to try variations for extra fun. Keep your tenders crispy with proper storage and reheating methods. Experiment with favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders as a meal or snack. Happy cooking!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1c9251de-a95d-4f39-b761-438d55a1db97-250x250.webp)
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these crispy golden oven-baked chicken tenders! Perfectly marinated and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mix, these tenders are a healthier alternative to frying. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can impress your family with a delicious and satisfying meal. Click through to explore the recipe and discover serving ideas that will elevate your dish!