Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a wonderfully crispy coating, all without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is great for extra flavor)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk or water
1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Cooking spray, avocado oil, or olive oil
Instructions:
Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray. This allows air to circulate, making the tenders extra crispy on all sides. (If you don’t have a rack, you can bake them directly on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through).
Set up Your Breading Station: Get three shallow bowls or plates.
Bowl 1: Mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth.
Bowl 3: Place the Panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Working with one piece at a time:
Dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
Finally, press it firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the breaded tender on the prepared wire rack.
Bake: Lightly spray the top of all the tenders with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. This helps them brown and get crispy.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Part 2: The Dipping Sauces
Here are five classic and delicious sauces to choose from.
1. Classic Honey Mustard
Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients:
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp yellow mustard (optional, for a sharper bite)
Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
2. Creamy Ranch
The all-time favorite for a reason.
Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt/sour cream for a thicker dip)
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together. For best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
3. Sweet & Tangy BBQ
A smoky, sweet classic.
Ingredients:
½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
Instructions: Simply stir the ingredients together. For a “dipping sauce” consistency, you can thin it with a teaspoon of water if needed.
4. Zesty Buffalo Sauce
For those who like a little heat.
Ingredients:
