Oven-Baked Crunchy Chicken Tenders for a Guilt-Free Treat Recipe
These Oven-Baked Crunchy Chicken Tenders are a guilt-free, crispy treat perfect for a delicious meal or snack. Brined for tenderness, coated in a flavorful batter, and baked to golden perfection with toasted panko breadcrumbs, they deliver all the crunch without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Brine
- 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins (Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute)
- 1.5–3 teaspoons Salt (Amount can vary; recommended between)
Batter
- 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup Water (Adjust for desired batter thickness)
- 1/2 cup Plain Flour (All-Purpose) (Gluten-free flour may be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Breading
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Toasting enhances crispness)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (Can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter)
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: Mix salt with the chicken tenderloins thoroughly, then refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes to help tenderize and season the meat. After brining, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the panko breadcrumbs with the tablespoon of oil evenly, spread them out on a baking sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. This step enhances the crunchiness for the final dish.
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, plain flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This batter creates a flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the toasted panko breadcrumbs until well-covered on all sides.
- Bake the Tenders: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated chicken tenders on it in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked thoroughly with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as sweet chili, ranch, or honey mustard for a delicious, guilt-free feast.
Notes
- Brining helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Toasting the panko breadcrumbs before using is essential for a crunchier texture.
- Feel free to use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based alternatives for dairy ingredients.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry after brining to ensure the batter sticks well.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on personal preference.
Keywords: oven baked chicken tenders, crunchy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, baked panko chicken, crispy chicken tenders
