Easy Homemade Chicken Tenders

Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 people

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that kids will love, homemade chicken tenders are the answer! This versatile dish can be enjoyed as part of a meal or as a snack. Chicken tenders are also great for meal prepping since they can be stored in the fridge or freezer and used at your convenience.

Homemade chicken tenders are healthier than store-bought versions because you have control over the ingredients, such as avoiding excessive sodium and preservatives. You can customize the flavor by adding different spices and herbs to suit your taste buds. This recipe is especially popular among families with children who love chicken nuggets but want a healthier option.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg beaten with a fork
1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cut the chicken breasts into tenders or strips, about 1-inch thick.
In one shallow bowl, mix together flour and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper).
In a second shallow bowl, beat an egg with a fork until well combined.
In a third shallow bowl, spread out the panko bread crumbs or breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko. Press gently to ensure all sides are covered.
Place coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until you use up all the chicken strips.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into one of the thicker parts of the tenders.

When done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch dressing. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tenders!

Tips for Success

To ensure even cooking, be sure to cut the chicken into even strips. This helps them cook more uniformly and ensures that they are fully cooked without being overcooked.
For extra flavor, you can add additional herbs such as dried oregano or basil after adding your spices.
You can also serve these with sides like French fries, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.

Variations and Alternatives

For those looking to add some variety, you can experiment with different types of bread crumbs such as cornflake crumbs or crushed tortilla chips. You can also try using different dipping sauces like barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce for a change in flavor.

Vegetarian Option

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the chicken breasts with mushrooms (cremini or portobello) or tofu. For mushrooms, cut them into thick strips and follow the same cooking process as with chicken tenders. Tofu should also be sliced into similar sizes before coating in the flour mixture, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken tenders are not only healthier but also a great way to enjoy a delicious meal at home without any of the preservatives found in store-bought versions. With this simple recipe, you can easily create tasty and nutritious chicken tenders for your family or guests. Whether served as an appetizer with dipping sauces or enjoyed as part of a main course, these homemade tenders are sure to become a favorite dish at your table!

Remember, cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 people