Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1/2 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 3 garlic cloves; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tsp baking powder; 2–3 tbsp flour or chickpea flour; Oil for frying; 1 cucumber, diced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups lettuce or mixed greens; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; Lemon wedges; Optional sauces: tahini, hummus, garlic yogurt sauce

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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering the same crunch and juiciness without the excess oil. These golden-brown strips are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, making them an ideal choice for family dinners, snacks, or party platters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and full of flavor. Baking instead of frying means less mess and fewer calories, yet the coating still turns out beautifully crispy. They’re versatile enough to pair with various dipping sauces, sides, or salads, and they reheat well for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
All-purpose flour
Eggs, beaten
Panko breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
Optional: dipping sauces (honey mustard, ranch, barbecue)

directions

Preheat the oven
• Set oven to 220 °C (425 °F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
Prepare the breading stations
• In three shallow bowls, place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
Coat the chicken
• Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip into egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange and bake
• Place breaded chicken tenders on the wire rack.
• Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F).
Serve
• Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings. Total prep and cook time is approximately 35 minutes, including 10–15 minutes of preparation and 20–25 minutes of baking.

Variations

Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
Buttermilk marinade: Soak chicken in buttermilk for 1–2 hours for extra tenderness.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Cheese-crusted: Add extra grated Parmesan for a richer flavor and crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 190 °C (375 °F) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating. Chicken tenders can also be frozen before or after baking for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs also work well and provide a juicier result.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and bake on a wire rack to allow airflow underneath.

Is it necessary to flip them during baking?

Flipping ensures even browning on both sides for maximum crunch.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 200 °C (400 °F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What dipping sauces go best?

Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo are all excellent options.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

No, raw chicken is coated and baked until fully cooked.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, bread them ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a thermometer—chicken is done at an internal temperature of 75 °C (165 °F).

What can I serve with these tenders?

They pair well with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or a fresh salad.

Are these tenders freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag for easy future meals.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and crunch. They’re healthier than fried versions but just as satisfying, making them a reliable favorite for weeknight dinners, kids’ meals, or party platters. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

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Traditional Crispy Falafel with Fresh Veggies is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring golden, herb-infused chickpea patties paired with colorful, crunchy vegetables for a wholesome, plant-based meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus soaking)
Yield: 4–5 servings (20 falafel) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, herbs, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to a coarse texture.
Stir in baking powder and flour. Refrigerate mixture for 30–60 minutes.
Form mixture into balls or patties of uniform size.
Heat oil in a skillet to 180 °C (350 °F). Fry falafel in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve over a bed of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with tahini or preferred sauce and garnish with lemon wedges.