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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 48 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These crispy oven-baked chicken tenders are golden and crunchy with a perfect crumb coating achieved by toasting the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken. Served hot, they make a delicious and healthier alternative to fried tenders, especially when paired with a honey mustard dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Breadcrumb

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil spray

Batter

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or other mustard)
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Chicken

  • 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5cm thick slices, lengthwise)
  • Oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced to prepare for baking the chicken tenders evenly and at the right temperature.
  2. Toast the panko breadcrumbs: Spread the panko on a baking tray and spray lightly with oil vertically to prevent displacement. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a light golden color, then transfer into a bowl.
  3. Prepare the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper until fully combined to create a smooth batter coating.
  4. Coat the chicken in batter: Add the chicken tenderloins or sliced chicken into the batter and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly with the mixture.
  5. Crumb the chicken: Using tongs, pick up each piece of batter-coated chicken and place it into the toasted panko breadcrumbs bowl. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on top and press down gently to ensure the crumbs adhere firmly. Transfer each crumbed piece onto a baking tray lined with a rack for even cooking.
  6. Spray and bake: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with oil and optionally sprinkle a pinch of salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes for medium-sized tenders or up to 20 minutes for larger pieces. Avoid baking longer than 20 minutes to prevent dryness.
  7. Serve immediately: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Toasting the breadcrumbs before coating ensures extra crunchiness in the final baked chicken tenders.
  • A honey mustard dipping sauce pairs beautifully with these tenders. Mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and a splash of lemon juice for a quick sauce.
  • Using a rack on the baking tray is optional but helps the chicken cook more evenly and crispier on all sides.
  • Be careful not to overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender inside while crispy outside.

Find it online: https://dishmelt.com/crispy-oven-baked-chicken-tenders-recipe/