Looking for an easy weeknight meal? Make a batch of these delicious Baked Chicken Tenders!
On the hunt for a quick weekday dinner, or a snack to beat the late-night munchies? Do yourself a favor and try whipping up these delicious chicken tenders—they’re crispy, crunchy, and mouthwateringly delicious.
Ready in under 30 minutes, these tenders are perfectly flavored with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It might sound a bit weird to use mayonnaise in the recipe, but it actually adds a subtly tangy and rich flavor. More importantly, the mayonnaise helps the coating stick to the chicken better, so you get that tasty golden brown crust.
Last week, I whipped up this recipe for my nephews and me. And for the first time in a while, their plates were wiped clean! So if you’re looking for a meal that even the pickiest eater will enjoy, then bake a batch of these delicious chicken tenders. Complete the meal with kid-friendly sides like a platter of sliced veggies, fries, and your favorite dipping sauce. For me? I’m going with a homemade Buffalo Sauce—I love a little heat!
Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe in the air fryer instead of the oven. While breading the chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, in a single layer, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Fry them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and get that golden brown color.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for around 5-8 minutes or until they’re warm throughout. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. However, they might lose their crispy, crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions
While these baked chicken tenders are delicious on their own, they’re even better when paired with a few side dishes. I recommend serving them with these crispy French Fries, or switch things up with Sweet Potato Fries—they add a nice contrast to the more savory tenders. Also, don’t forget the veggies. I like to make a platter filled with sliced carrots, butter radishes, endives, and cucumbers. For something a little fancier, try this Grilled Romaine Salad. It’s a fun way to eat your greens! As far as dipping sauces go, the possibilities are endless. For example, you can make an easy Homemade Ranch Dressing or even this more wholesome Yogurt Herb Dipping Sauce.
Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise and toss until the chicken is lightly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken tender one or two at a time into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off excess. Lay them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then gently flip and bake for another 8-12 minutes until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Garnish with parsley.
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