Oven-fried chicken tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a meal or snack. Here’s a recipe for making oven-fried chicken tenders that are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps to tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Prepare the Dry Mix:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Prepare the Breading:
- In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Coating the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to allow even cooking.
4. Baking
- Spray with Oil:
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil. This helps them to crisp up in the oven.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serving
- Serve:
- Serve the oven-fried chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.
Tips and Variations
- Double Dipping: For extra crispy tenders, you can double dip by repeating the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumb steps.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version.
- Spices and Herbs: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour and breadcrumbs to your taste. You can add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even some hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: These chicken tenders can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. Just coat the tenders, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful oven-fried chicken tenders!
