Ultimate Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Ultimate Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders! Unlike store-bought chicken nuggets, these tenders are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor and the perfect crunch. The chicken breasts are marinated in a lightly seasoned egg wash and then coated in a delightful blend of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Their juicy interior complements the irresistibly crispy exterior, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. For a twist on the classic, simply replace the chili powder with Italian seasoning for a herbaceous flavor. Perfect for dinner or as a tasty snack; these tenders are sure to become a family go-to!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (Rinsed and sliced into strips)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Finely crushed cracker crumbs or plain breadcrumbs
2 cups (For coating)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Table salt or kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Chili powder or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (Optional seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
2
Rinse and pat dry the boneless skinless chicken breasts, then slice them into uniform strips, approximately one inch wide for even cooking.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg to create an egg wash.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the finely crushed cracker crumbs or plain breadcrumbs with garlic powder, table salt, black pepper, and chili powder (or Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist). Mix until well combined.
5
Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, ensuring it is coated evenly, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
6
Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even baking.
8
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or savor their crispy goodness on their own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders?
They are a budget-friendly, flavorful homemade alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets, featuring a juicy interior and a crispy exterior.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Prepare the baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts?
Rinse and pat the chicken dry, then slice them into uniform strips approximately one inch wide.
Why is it important to slice the chicken into uniform strips?
Uniform strips ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly.
What is used for the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one beaten egg.
What can I use for the crispy coating?
You can use two cups of either finely crushed cracker crumbs or plain breadcrumbs.
What seasonings are added to the coating mixture?
The coating includes garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder or Italian seasoning.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of table salt (or kosher salt) and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I substitute chili powder for something else?
Yes, you can replace the chili powder with Italian seasoning for a herbaceous flavor.
How do I apply the coating to the chicken?
Dip each strip into the egg wash and then dredge it in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to make the crumbs adhere.
How should the chicken be arranged on the baking sheet?
Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer.
How long do the chicken tenders need to bake?
Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes.
Do I need to flip the chicken during baking?
Yes, flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time for even baking and crispiness.
How do I know when the tenders are done?
They are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Should I serve the chicken immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let them cool slightly before serving.
What are some serving suggestions?
Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own.
Are these chicken tenders suitable for kids?
Yes, they are described as a kid-friendly favorite.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as either a tasty snack or a main dinner dish.
Is this recipe expensive to make?
No, this is a budget-friendly recipe compared to pre-packaged options.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed.
What is the texture of these chicken tenders?
They have a juicy interior and an irresistibly crispy exterior.
Can I use kosher salt instead of table salt?
Yes, table salt or kosher salt are both acceptable for this recipe.
What makes these 'ultimate' tenders?
The combination of the seasoned egg wash and the cracker crumb coating provides superior flavor and crunch.
Is the chicken breast marinated?
The chicken is coated in a lightly seasoned egg wash before breading, which helps it stay juicy.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
While this recipe is written for the oven at 375 degrees, the breading style is suitable for most crispy cooking methods.
What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Plain breadcrumbs work well, but finely crushed cracker crumbs provide an extra delightful crunch.
How much chili powder is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder as an optional seasoning.