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To make tasty chicken tenders, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will use: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Cooking spray or olive oil for baking These ingredients work together to create crispy and flavorful chicken tenders. The buttermilk helps the chicken stay moist, while the panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. You can add extra flavors to your chicken tenders if you like. Consider these options: - Lemon zest for a fresh taste - Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick - Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for depth - Honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness These optional ingredients let you customize your chicken tenders to match your taste. To prepare these chicken tenders, you will need some basic kitchen tools: - A mixing bowl for the buttermilk and chicken - A second bowl for the breadcrumb mixture - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper - A spatula for flipping the chicken tenders - An oven to bake them Having the right equipment will make your cooking easier and more fun. If you want to see the complete steps, check the Full Recipe. 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken bake perfectly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray it lightly with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. This keeps the chicken from sticking. 3. Take your chicken strips and place them in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. This adds flavor and moisture. 4. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours if you want more flavor. 5. While the chicken marinates, grab another bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these well. This will be your tasty coating. 6. Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Let the excess buttermilk drip off each strip. 7. Dredge each chicken strip in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. 8. Place the coated strips on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This helps them cook evenly. 9. Lightly spray the tops with more cooking spray or drizzle some olive oil. This step adds extra crunch. 10. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy when done. 11. Remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. This helps keep them juicy. 12. Once cooled, garnish with fresh parsley. You can serve these tenders with dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ. 13. For a colorful touch, add lemon wedges to your platter. This makes your dish look extra special. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders! To get the crispiest chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. After coating the chicken, spray the tops with cooking spray. This helps them brown and become crunchy. Bake the tenders on parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps both sides crisp up nicely. Marinating chicken in buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it longer, up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Always cover the bowl to keep the chicken fresh. Make sure to drain off excess liquid before coating the chicken in breadcrumbs. One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Give each tender space to breathe while cooking. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. A hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly and crisps the coating. Lastly, skipping the light spray of oil can lead to less crispy tenders. Follow these tips for the best results! For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} To make spicy chicken tenders, add hot sauce to the buttermilk. Use about two tablespoons. This gives your chicken a nice kick. You can use your favorite hot sauce. Marinate the chicken as usual. This method adds heat without losing flavor. Pair these spicy tenders with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese. For a gluten-free option, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers for texture. Make sure your buttermilk is gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy chicken tenders! If you want to switch up the flavor, try different breadcrumbs. Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added herbs. You could also use cornmeal for a crunchier texture. If you want something more unique, try crushed nuts like almonds or pecans. This gives your chicken a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. Each option brings its own special twist to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. After enjoying your crispy baked chicken tenders, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between tenders if you stack them. This keeps them from sticking together. Store the container in the fridge. Leftovers stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat your chicken tenders, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. If you want to keep chicken tenders longer, freezing is a good option. Let them cool completely first. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. These can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check earlier sections. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. It makes a big difference in taste. Yes, you can use an air fryer for this recipe. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the chicken tenders for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking and crispiness. Some great dipping sauces include: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing - Ketchup - Sweet and sour sauce Choose your favorite or mix and match for fun! To make the tenders healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole grain breadcrumbs. - Bake instead of frying. - Add herbs and spices for flavor, not extra calories. - Serve with fresh veggies or a salad on the side. You can find the full recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders [here](insert-link). It details all the steps and ingredients to make this delicious meal. You learned how to make crispy baked chicken tenders. We covered key ingredients, steps, and tips. You can try variations like spicy or gluten-free options. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy too. Remember to marinate for the best flavor and avoid common mistakes for perfect results. With these insights, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure and turn dinner into a tasty experience!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Dive into the deliciousness with these crispy baked chicken tenders that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser! This easy recipe features boneless chicken strips marinated in buttermilk, coated with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, and baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick dinner or a fun snack, these tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Click through to explore the full recipe and get inspired for your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions
 

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 to prevent sticking.

    In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).

      In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

        Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other.

          Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil for extra crispiness.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking.

              Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. You can also garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.