![- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper For the best taste, use fresh chicken tenderloins. Buttermilk makes the chicken juicy and adds flavor. The seasonings, like garlic and paprika, give a nice kick. - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - ½ teaspoon dried oregano Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy coating. Parmesan adds a savory depth. Lemon zest brightens the flavors, while oregano gives a hint of earthiness. - Olive oil spray or cooking spray - Baking sheet - Parchment paper Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps the tenders cook evenly and prevents sticking. Olive oil spray adds a golden touch to the coating. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above! To start, I mix the marinade in a large bowl. I combine: - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Once the mixture is ready, I add the chicken tenderloins, making sure they are well coated. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Before I move on, I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for crispiness. While the oven heats, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Next, I prepare the breadcrumb coating in a shallow dish. I mix: - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - ½ teaspoon dried oregano This mix adds great flavor and crunch. I remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Then, I dredge each tenderloin in the breadcrumb mix, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks well. Now, I arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. To get that golden look, I lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. I bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The coating should turn golden brown and crispy. After baking, I check for doneness. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. A meat thermometer is very helpful for this step. To get that ideal crunch, broil the chicken tenders for a minute or two at the end. This step is key. It adds a delightful crisp to the coating. Don't skip this! You must also use olive oil spray. A light spray helps the coating brown nicely. It gives your chicken tenders a golden finish that looks just as good as it tastes. Want to kick up the flavor? Add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices give your chicken a nice twist. You can even try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for freshness. Marinate your chicken for at least one hour. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the better the taste. Pair these chicken tenders with classic sides like fries or a fresh salad. They also go great with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. For a nice display, serve the tenders on a platter with lemon wedges. A little garnish with parsley can brighten up the look. This makes your meal not just tasty, but pretty too. {{image_2}} You can change up the taste of your chicken tenders easily. Try different herbs or spices to add your own twist. For a classic feel, use Italian herbs like basil or thyme. You can also swap in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Want some heat? Add cayenne or chili powder. Just a pinch can give your tenders a nice kick. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also crush cornflakes or crackers to use as a coating. Both will give your chicken a crunchy texture. This makes it fun to try new flavors. Baking is a healthier choice than frying. It cuts down on oil and fat. Oven-baked chicken tenders stay juicy while being crispy. Choose chicken breast cutlets for a leaner option instead of tenderloins. They cook faster and are lower in calories. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without the guilt. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store your leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. In the fridge, they last up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, don't wait too long! For freezing, wrap each chicken tender in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Batch cooking is a smart way to save time. Make a big batch of chicken tenders at once. Store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above. Leftovers can shine in many dishes. Add them to salads, wraps, or pasta for a tasty twist. The options are endless! To make your chicken tenders pop with flavor, adjust your seasonings. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also mix in some cayenne for spice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness. Marinating longer enhances taste, so consider overnight for best results. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, you will need to cut it into strips. Cooking times may vary. Chicken breasts take longer to cook, so check them often. Make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Pair your chicken tenders with tasty sides. Some great options include: - French fries - Coleslaw - Steamed veggies - Mashed potatoes - Dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue These sides balance the meal well and add more flavor. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Look for a golden brown color and crispy coating. The juices should run clear when you cut into them. If you have a meat thermometer, use it for accuracy. Yes! You can prep the chicken and marinate it a day ahead. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. You can also bread the tenders and freeze them. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. You learned how to make delicious oven-baked chicken tenders. We covered ingredients, marination, and cooking techniques. Remember to check for doneness and follow storage tips to keep them fresh. Experiment with flavors and servings to add excitement to your meals. With these steps, you can create a tasty dish that your family will love. Enjoy making these crispy chicken tenders and share your results!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/09cc4766-d854-43ca-b68b-46af3bc5f9da-250x250.webp)
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
Dive into the deliciousness of crispy oven-baked chicken tenders with a zesty twist! These golden-brown tenderloins marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful blend of panko and Parmesan are sure to impress. Perfect for a family meal or a fun dinner party, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your chicken game today!