Unbelievably crispy and packed with flavor on the outside, and perfectly juicy on the inside; these easy baked chicken tenders are a no-brainer to prepare and so much better than fried chicken!
I am the hugest sucker for restaurant-style breaded chicken. Like, ridiculously obsessed to the point of wanting it all the time.
And I’m almost ashamed to say I crave it at meals other than just dinner…midnight snack anyone??
‘Kay. I lied. That SO did not happen. Pinky promise.
ANYWHO. In an effort to save my wallet from bankruptcy and my jeans from *ahem* shrinking in size, I came up with a HEALTHY version of restaurant-style fried chicken.
One that puts that greasy, fat-filled deep-fried restaurant breaded chicken to shame.
Go home KFC. You have officially been replaced.
We’re going OVEN-fried today, if you will. I ain’t got no use for deep-frying, guys. And to be perfectly honest, deep-frying kinda scares me…both the preparation method AND the calories. Terrifying stuff.
Fried chicken was just begging for a makeover. In the healthy-ish, oven-baked direction.
And wowzers, guys. This chicken is pretty much like the real thing. Super-crunchy and crispy on the outside. Perfectly moist and juicy on the inside. ♥
And kinda filled to the max with 100% addicting properties.
Bang-up job, oven-fried chicken. You almost had my brain fooled.
My tastebuds? Went straight over their heads. Do tastebuds even have heads?? Movin’ on…
The breading for this chicken is pretty basic, but so dang good. We’ve got breadcrumbs making up the most of it with just a little cornmeal and flour for some different texture. A few basic seasonings get dumped in and….
Wham, bam, thank ‘ya ma’am. My chicken has the perfect-o coating of yum.
This chicken’s crispy texture on the outside is all thanks to one little step that you should always do when you’re oven-frying breaded chicken.
My secret to get a perfectly-crispy breading every time? Flip the chicken several times while it’s baking.—In order to get that crunchy golden crust on the outside of these tenders that we all love and adore, it’s essential that you flip this chicken once every 10 minutes. The total bake-time for this chicken is 30 minutes, which means you’ll turn the chicken a total of three times.
I’m so good at math. 😉
Seriously though, don’t skip this turning step guys! It might take a little more hands-on work then your regular breaded-chicken, but the perfectly-crispy-golden chicken tenders that results is SO worth it.
This chicken is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner with pasta, but it’s also MORE than appropriate to include on your game-day menu. I promise your guests won’t be any the wiser, that they’re actually eating the dreaded OVEN-BAKED stuff.
Slap it in some take-out boxes and nobody will guess. Promise.
Or….you could let everyone in on the secret that you’re secretly a oven-frying chicken tender-whiz. 😀
You’ll definitely gain some new respect.
Give this chicken a try, guys! I promise you’ll never go back to the restaurant junk again! My entire family gives it two greasy-chicken-covered thumbs up.
Oven-Fried Crispy Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1-1/2 cups breadcrumbs or Panko
- 3 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F. Place butter in a large baking sheet. Place baking sheet in preheating oven and let cook until butter is melted. Remove from oven and use a spatula to spread melted butter in an even layer. Set aside.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine breadcrumbs, flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. One at a time, dip chicken tenders in milk then place in bag, seal and shake to evenly coat chicken. Remove from bag and place in the melted butter-baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
- Bake chicken tenders at 375F 30 minutes, turning once every 10 minutes to ensure that chicken crisps up evenly. Serve chicken tenders warm.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These chicken tenders look amazing, Sarah! I’m sorta picky about fried ones…being extra crispy is definitely a necessity for me! These definitely look like a winner to me! I love that they’re baked in the oven, too…means I can have more, right? 🙂
Sarah says
Crispy chicken tenders are a must for me too, Gayle! I ain’t got no use for soggy breading! LOL. 😉 And YES, they’re baked so you can totally have more!
CakeSpy says
I’m very, very into this. This was my go-to dish at restaurants as a kid and I’m still into chicken tenders in a big way.
Sarah says
Thank you!! If you like the restaurant-style chicken tenders, you’ll love this healthier version!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
Mmmm…I would love a pile of these on a big salad with ranch dressing! Beautiful photos!
Sarah says
Um, YUM! That’s my idea of a perfect salad! 🙂 Thanks for the photo love, Kelly!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Girl, you have just made my day! I love chicken tenders, even as an adult. And the fact that these are baked would make me feel less guilty for eating them. Pinning!
Sarah says
I totally love them too! I mean, they’re not just for kids, right?! Thanks for the pin, Jen! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love chicken tenders too! Every time we get fast food, I have to get a little thing of chicken nuggets. So good! But your homemade version is WAY healthier, and I bet tastes so much better. Love that these are baked too! Can’t wait to make these!
Sarah says
Natalie, if you love the fast-food style chicken nuggets you’re definitely gonna fall head-over-heels in love with these tenders! They totally taste better even though they’re healthy! 🙂
Sarah @ Bake Me A Scone says
Your chicken tenders look incredibly delicious! That crispy golden crust makes me want to whip up a batch right this instant! I also LOVE how you designed this dish as a healthy alternative to fat-filled restaurant cooking.
Sarah says
Thanks so much Sarah! LMK if you try this chicken and how you like it! xxx. 🙂
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
I loooove chicken tenders (really though is there anyone who doesn’t?!)! These look amazing! I totally want to dip them in some honey mustard 😀
Sarah says
I haven’t met anyone yet who doesn’t love chicken tenders! 😀 And yes, these are the bomb.com with honey mustard. Now you’re talkin’!
Cheryl says
Uh, yum! My husband would freaking die if I made these for him. And speaking of, I think I need to call in a few favors so…. think these might be on the meal plan here soon… 😀
Sarah says
Hahaha I’m thinking I love this plan—LMK how your hubby likes these tenders, Cheryl!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
Really like this recipe! Especially because my boyfriend of 4 years is fried chicken obsessed and I’m trying to get him to eat healthier. 😉
Sarah says
Thanks Kaylin! You should definitely try these chicken tenders for your boyfriend! No guy I’ve met so far hasn’t loved them! 😉
Sherri@ The Well Floured Kitchen says
Wow, these look amazing. I would definitely be eating them as a midnight snack 🙂 Love the addition of cornmeal in the crust, definitely trying that out.
Sarah says
Thanks Sherri! Glad I’m not the only one who would do the whole midnight-snack ‘thang. 😉 And yes! The cornmeal adds an amazing crispy factor to this chicken!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Wow, these chicken tenders look perfect!!! They definitely have KFC beat in my book! They look so crispy and golden and I love that they’re baked too! My family would gobble these up in no time!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! This chicken is definitely family-approved around here! 😉
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
I love when chicken comfort food is made just a little healthier by baking it instead of frying. These chicken bites look so good!
Sarah says
Unless somebody told you, you seriously wouldn’t guess that you were eating oven-baked chicken rather than deep-fried! 😉 Thanks so much Julia!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Love that you used a combo of bread crumbs, flour, and cornmeal. These chicken tenders are happening soon at our house! Have a great weekend!
Sarah says
Yay! You’ll have to let me know what you and your family think of this chicken, Christin! Happy Weekend!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
These look like the perfect homemade chicken tenders! My kids would be very happy if I made them!
Sarah says
Kids love ’em around here, that’s for sure! 😉
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
These look sooooo delicious! Almost like Chick fil A nuggets– my fave! I love making stuff like this at home and knowing it’s not full of processed junk!!
Sarah says
Thanks Jess! You definitely need to give this chicken a go!
BrandNewMom says
I must try this recipe! I have been looking for a truly crispy chicken tender recipe! !! Thank u!
Sarah says
Let me know if you try it! 🙂
Mel says
While I liked what little coating was left on the chicken, the butter boiled in the oven and boiled off most of the breeding leaving me with greasy wet chicken instead of the crispy fried chicken described in the recipe. I will try again but will skip the melted butter in the pan, instead dipping the chicken in melted butter instead of milk.
carol Hawley says
this recipe sounds amazing, a must try for sure because we hate anything deep fried THANKS
Kelly says
What’s the carb count. Nutritional info
Shelly says
Thanks for the recipe – this was a keeper! I really liked the idea of using cornmeal – would not have thought of it. I made a few changes- used Italian flavored breadcrumbs in place of the Panko, dipped the chicken in egg instead of milk, and baked the pieces in olive oil instead of butter. Result was delicious. Served it with vegetable fried rice for a meal, and heated up a few leftover chicken pieces in the toaster oven next day for a wholesome snack dipped in honey mustard dressing. I’m thinking of tweaking this recipe to make oven fried fish; went out to dinner the other night and ordered fish and chips, and it was so greasy I couldn’t even enjoy it.
Sarah says
So glad to hear you enjoyed, Shelly! Thanks for sharing your recipe adjustments. 🙂