How to Bake Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken tenders are a classic crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. They are easy to make, flavor-packed, and super versatile. Whether you’re planning to serve them for your game-day party, quick dinner, or meal prep, baking chicken tenders is a foolproof way to prepare them.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
The first step to baking perfect chicken tenders is selecting the right ingredients. You can make chicken tenders using a variety of coatings, such as breadcrumbs, cornflakes, or flour. Some popular variations of chicken tenders include crispy, panko-crusted chicken tenders, Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders, and spicy buffalo chicken tenders. You can also choose between using chicken breasts or chicken tenders.
When selecting your ingredients, it’s important to use high-quality chicken and coatings. If you’re purchasing chicken tenders, look out for free-range or organic chicken to ensure higher quality. Don’t skimp on the seasoning, either. Adding extra spices or herbs can take your chicken tenders to the next level.
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
The preparation process is crucial for creating succulent, juicy chicken tenders. Before baking them, you’ll need to first coat them in the seasoning or coating of your choice. Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Then, dip them in beaten eggs, and finally coat them in your desired coating.
When preparing the chicken tenders, it’s important to handle them carefully and follow proper food safety techniques. Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked chicken. This prevents cross-contamination.
Baking the Chicken Tenders
The next step is baking the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken tenders, but on average, it will take around 15-20 minutes.
Make sure to flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. For extra crispy chicken tenders, drizzle some olive oil on top of them before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tenders are super versatile, and you can serve them in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Dipping sauces: Serve your chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
- On salads: Slice your chicken tenders and add them to salads for extra protein and crunch.
- On sandwiches: Make a chicken tender sandwich with some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
- On pizza: Top your pizza with sliced chicken tenders for a protein-packed meal.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when serving chicken tenders:
- Don’t overcrowd the chicken tenders on the baking sheet. This can cause them to steam instead of bake.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving them. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures they are moist and flavorful.
- Add extra seasoning or spices to the coating for extra flavor.
Healthier Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a healthier twist on classic chicken tenders, you can use alternative ingredients like almond meal or Greek yogurt. Almond meal adds a nutty flavor and crisp texture, while Greek yogurt serves as a low-fat binder for the coating.
Another way to make healthier chicken tenders is by air-frying them or baking them with a coating of panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter than regular breadcrumbs and provide a crunchy texture without the added fat.
Here are some tips for reducing the calorie count of your chicken tenders while still maintaining the flavor:
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken tenders to cut down on fat.
- Swap out regular breadcrumbs for almond meal or panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake your chicken tenders instead of frying them to reduce the amount of fat and calories.
Exotic Flavors
If you’re looking to switch up the classic flavor of chicken tenders, try adding some new flavors to your coating. Some popular ones are pineapple teriyaki, spicy Cajun rub, or honey mustard glaze.
There are a variety of cooking methods you can use to add flavor to your chicken tenders, such as marinating them or slow-cooking them in a crockpot. Another great way to add flavor to chicken tenders is by creating unique dipping sauces that complement the new flavor profiles.
Meal Prep Ideas
Chicken tenders are an excellent meal prep option. They store well in the fridge and are easy to reheat. Here are some tips for cooking and storing chicken tenders for easy meal prep:
- Bake a large batch of chicken tenders and store them in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Freeze extra chicken tenders for later use. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
- Use leftover chicken tenders in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some unique serving ideas:
- On top of pizzas: Add sliced chicken tenders as a topping to your favorite pizza recipe.
- On skewers: Skewer cooked chicken tenders for easy party platters.
Don’t forget to pair your chicken tenders with a delicious beverage, such as a cold beer or refreshing iced tea.
Conclusion
Baked chicken tenders are an easy, delicious, and versatile meal option that can be enjoyed by everyone. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can prepare juicy, flavorful chicken tenders every time. Whether you’re looking to try new flavors or make them healthier, there are plenty of options to choose from.
