Description
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried tenders, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Marinating longer in buttermilk makes the chicken more tender.
- Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.