Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Enjoy a healthier twist on traditional chicken fingers with these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. Coated in a flavorful blend of crushed Ritz crackers, garlic, and spices, these tenders are baked to golden perfection, making them irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ideal for kids and adults alike, serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun and satisfying meal!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ritz cracker crumbs
2 cups (about 40 crackers, crushed)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
milk
1 tablespoon (none)
chicken breast tenders
1 1/2 lbs (none)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using a rolling pin, gently crush the crackers until they turn into fine crumbs. Set the bag aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-fat mayonnaise and milk until smooth. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the mixture.
4
Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray. Working in batches, place approximately one-quarter of the coated chicken tenders into the bag of cracker crumbs. Seal the bag and shake gently until each tender is thoroughly coated in crumbs. Transfer the coated tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
5
Repeat the process until all chicken tenders are coated and on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
6
Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7
Using a spatula, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the baking sheet and serve immediately. Enjoy them alone or pair with delicious dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of chicken breast tenders.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of crumbs are used for the coating?
The coating is made from 2 cups of crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, which is approximately 40 crackers.
What ingredients are used as the binding agent for the crumbs?
A mixture of reduced-fat mayonnaise and milk is used to help the crumbs adhere to the chicken.
How long do the chicken tenders need to bake?
The chicken tenders should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What spices are added to the cracker crumbs?
The crumbs are seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
How do you crush the Ritz crackers?
Place the crackers in a large zip-top plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, these are described as a healthier twist on traditional chicken fingers because they are baked rather than deep-fried.
What dipping sauces are recommended?
Suggested dipping sauces include BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should spray the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How do you apply the crumbs to the chicken?
Place coated chicken tenders into the bag of crumbs, seal it, and shake gently until thoroughly coated.
Should the chicken be coated all at once?
No, it is recommended to work in batches, coating about one-quarter of the tenders at a time.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Chicken category.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of reduced-fat?
While the recipe specifies reduced-fat mayonnaise, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly and ideal for both kids and adults.
How should the chicken be spaced on the baking sheet?
The chicken tenders should be spaced apart to ensure even cooking.
How much milk is required for the binding mixture?
You will need 1 tablespoon of milk.
What tool is best for removing the chicken from the pan?
A spatula should be used to carefully remove the chicken tenders from the baking sheet.
What is the texture of these chicken tenders?
They are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are tagged as both a snack and a weeknight dinner.
How much salt and pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the preparation for the Ritz crackers?
The crackers should be crushed into fine crumbs before being mixed with spices.
Is any specific type of milk required?
The recipe simply lists 'milk' without specifying a fat percentage.
When should the chicken be served?
The chicken tenders should be served immediately after baking for the best texture.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you slice it into thin strips similar to tenders.
What is the goal of using a zip-top bag?
The bag is used to both crush the crackers without mess and to shake the chicken with the crumbs for an even coating.