Craving golden, crispy chicken tenders without the kitchen chaos?
Get ready for a game-changer: a baked recipe that delivers maximum crunch and flavor with seriously minimal mess.
Discover the secret to juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside perfection that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients Spotlight
Let's plunge into the stars of our show – the ingredients! First, we're gonna need around 350g of penne pasta – that's about 12oz – but hey, any short pasta works, so raid your pantry!
Butter, garlic, flour, and milk are musts. We're talkin' 3 tablespoons of butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons of flour, and 4 cups of milk – any kind'll do! Add 2 teaspoons of Vegeta – or chicken/veg stock powder – for extra flavor. For a quicker option, similar to some pot pie recipes, consider using rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the main protein.
Don't forget the cheese! Half a cup of shredded parmesan cheese adds a cheesy flavor. Then, ½ teaspoon each of mustard, onion, and garlic powder.
Now for the main event: 425g of canned tuna – about 15oz! Canned corn, 400g, adds a sweet pop. Let's not forget the crunchy topping which's the best part!
Preparation Instructions
Now that you've gathered all the awesome ingredients, I'll walk you through how to bring this bad boy together. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It's like giving your oven a little pep talk before the main event!
First, grab that trusty baking sheet, and let's line it with parchment paper. Next, arrange your chicken pieces on the lined baking sheet – nobody wants overcrowded tenders!
Now, take each chicken piece, lovingly dip it into the egg mixture (make sure it's fully coated!), then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press it on, so it sticks!
Place the breaded tenders back on the baking sheet. Give them a little space – personal bubbles are important!
Finally, get ready to bake. I know you're super excited, but hold on… the next section is baking tips!
Baking Tips
Alright, listen up because I'm about to share some tips to guarantee perfect, golden-brown baked chicken tenders! First, don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give those tenders room to breathe!
I always preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). Why? Because hot ovens equal crispy chicken! Using a flavorful combination of cheeses can elevate a simple dish like mac and cheese.
Next, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet! This elevates the chicken so air circulates all around. I bake 'em for about 20-25 minutes. But, keep an eye on their internal temperature – those tenders should reach 165°F (74°C). If they are not quite golden when they reach temp, broil them on low for 1-2 minutes to give them some more golden color. That's it, now you're ready to eat!
Serving Suggestions
I believe I can enhance your dining experience with these killer serving suggestions for the Baked Chicken Tenders! Think outside the ordinary!
- Dipping sauces: Honey mustard(2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon mustard), BBQ, ranch or even sweet chili sauce!
- Tender wraps: Load 'em into tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole – yum!
Chicken tender salad**: Place them on a bed of mixed greens, add your favorite veggies, and drizzle ranch for a healthy meal.
Chicken parm**: Serve with tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and broil it 'til bubbly!
Consider presentation, too! Arrange tenders artfully on a platter! Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. Serving these suggestions, your chicken tenders will be a hit!
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender in olive oil, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Place coated tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g