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To make oven baked chicken tenders, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling These ingredients create a tasty and crispy coating that makes the tenders shine. If you want to take your chicken tenders up a notch, consider adding some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of flavor - Lemon zest for a bright, fresh taste - Different spices like cumin or chili powder for a unique kick These extras can make your tenders even more fun and exciting to eat. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit different diets. Here are some substitutions you might consider: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. - Swap chicken for tofu or eggplant for a plant-based dish. - Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk for dairy-free needs. These changes help everyone enjoy this delicious meal without worry. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes clean-up easy. Next, soak your chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. If you have time, soak them for up to 2 hours in the fridge for even better results. Now, it’s time to set up your dredging station. You will need three shallow dishes. First, pour the flour into one dish. In the second dish, place the buttermilk-soaked chicken strips. Finally, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in the last dish. This mix gives the chicken a crunchy and tasty coating. To coat the chicken, follow these easy steps: 1. Lift a chicken strip from the buttermilk, letting the extra liquid drip off. 2. Dip it into the flour, coating it lightly. 3. Return it to the buttermilk, then coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered for that perfect crunch. Place the coated chicken tenders on your lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top. This helps them get even crispier while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through to cook them evenly. You want them golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember, the key to great oven-baked chicken tenders is the coating and the baking time. Follow these steps for a crispy and flavorful delight! For a detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get that crunchy outer layer, follow these simple steps. First, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a better texture than regular ones. Second, ensure each chicken strip is coated evenly. This helps them crisp up. Lastly, spray or drizzle the chicken with oil before baking. This adds extra crunch. Bake them until golden brown and watch them shine! Flavor is key to great chicken tenders. Start by soaking the strips in buttermilk. This adds moisture and taste. Use a mix of spices to elevate flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder are musts. Paprika brings a nice color and warmth. If you want heat, cayenne pepper is great. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper! Both cooking spray and olive oil work well. Cooking spray is easy to use and helps with even coverage. It adds no extra flavor, which keeps the chicken's taste front and center. Olive oil, on the other hand, adds a rich flavor. It also helps with browning. Choose what fits your taste and enjoy those crispy oven-baked chicken tenders! For the full recipe, check it out above! {{image_2}} To give your chicken tenders a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. You can use one teaspoon for mild heat. If you want more spice, try two teaspoons. You can also mix in hot sauce into the buttermilk. This adds flavor and heat. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip to cool down the spice. For a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko. You can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers instead. Both options give a nice crunch. Make sure to check labels on all ingredients to avoid gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty tenders! Get creative with your coatings! Try using crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a nutty flavor. Seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds are great, too. They will add extra crunch and flavor. You can even mix different coatings for fun taste combos. This makes each bite unique and delicious. For the full recipe, check the details above! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. When ready to eat your chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them regain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes for extra crunch. To freeze chicken tenders, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you enjoy a crispy treat anytime! For the full recipe, check out the entire guide. To bake chicken tenders, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the chicken's inside temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). This gives you juicy, safe chicken. Yes, you can make them ahead. Prepare the chicken tenders and coat them as directed. Place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. The best dipping sauce depends on your taste. Some popular choices include: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Garlic aioli - Ranch dressing These sauces add flavor and fun to your meal. For the full recipe and detailed instructions, check out the Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders recipe. This includes all the tips to make them perfect every time. Enjoy cooking and exploring new flavors! You learned how to make oven baked chicken tenders. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and baking steps. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor. You also saw cool variations and how to store leftovers properly. Now, you can enjoy tasty chicken tenders that fit your taste. Whether you prefer spicy or gluten-free, there's a choice for everyone. Cooking at home can be fun and simple. Dive into this recipe and make it your own!

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Savor the deliciousness of crispy oven-baked chicken tenders with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these tenders are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a nutritious meal ready in under an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress everyone with your cooking skills!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, soak the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to tenderize and enhance flavor.

      In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

        Set up a dredging station: place the flour in a separate shallow dish, followed by the buttermilk-soaked chicken strips, and then the breadcrumb mixture.

          Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in flour, dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each strip is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.

            Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with cooking spray or olive oil for an extra crispy finish.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature). Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a wooden board or a nice plate with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!