Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken, featuring a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Optional:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter until coated.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in breadcrumb mixture, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
