Introduction
Baked chicken tenders have gained immense popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They offer the same crispy texture that many love, but without the excess oil and calories. This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce is not only delicious but also family-friendly, making it a perfect choice for both kids and adults. The combination of crunchy, golden-brown chicken tenders paired with a flavorful dipping sauce that balances sweet and spicy flavors will surely please any palate.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
For the Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This combination will provide an extra crunchy texture to the tenders.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. One piece at a time, take the chicken strips out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
6. Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to encourage browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the chicken is baking, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha according to your desired level of heat.
Understanding the Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are ideal for creating tender, juicy chicken strips. They cook quickly and are easy to handle, making them a perfect choice for a family meal.
Importance of Buttermilk
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is crucial for achieving tenderness and flavor. The acidity in buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Spices for Flavor Enhancement
The spices used in this recipe, including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, significantly enhance the taste of the chicken. Each spice contributes its unique flavor, creating a well-rounded seasoning profile.
Panko Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese
Choosing panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs is key to achieving that desired crispy texture. Panko is lighter and flakier, which allows for a crunchier coating. The addition of Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the crispiness of the breading when baked.
The Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
Ingredients Breakdown
The dipping sauce combines mayonnaise, honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This mixture offers a wonderful balance of flavors: the sweetness of honey counters the heat of sriracha, while the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick.
Customizing the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the heat level of the sauce based on your personal preferences. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha, or for an extra kick, add more to enhance the spiciness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Marination Process
The marination time is essential for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring it remains tender during baking. Allowing the chicken to soak in the buttermilk mixture for at least an hour will yield the best results, but marinating overnight can take the flavor to the next level.
Preparing the Baking Sheet and Preheating the Oven
To ensure your crispy baked chicken tenders turn out perfectly, start by preparing your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create an ideal cooking environment. An adequately preheated oven ensures that the tenders cook evenly, resulting in a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
The Breading Technique
Achieving a perfect breading on your chicken tenders is key to their texture and flavor. Begin by setting up a breading station with three separate bowls: one for seasoned flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for breadcrumbs. When coating the chicken, first dredge it in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
Pressing the Breadcrumbs
To ensure an even coating, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken tenders. This step is crucial as it helps the breadcrumbs adhere better during baking, leading to a crunchier texture. Additionally, you can mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or spices into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Baking Process
Once your chicken tenders are breaded, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. A vital step in the baking process is flipping the tenders halfway through cooking. This not only promotes even browning but also helps achieve that desired crispy texture on both sides.
Cooking Spray or Oil
Spraying the tenders lightly with cooking spray or brushing them with a small amount of oil before baking can enhance crispiness. This step helps achieve a golden finish without the added calories of frying.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When it comes to serving your crispy baked chicken tenders, the possibilities are endless. Pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal or serve them alongside crispy fries for a classic comfort dish. Roasted or steamed vegetables can also make a nutritious side, adding color and flavor to your plate.
Appetizer, Main Dish, or Party Snack
These chicken tenders can be served in various ways: as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, a hearty main dish for family dinner, or as a finger food option for parties. They pair well with a range of dipping sauces, from classic ketchup to zesty ranch or even a tangy barbecue sauce.
Presentation Tips
To enhance the visual appeal when serving, consider arranging the chicken tenders on a large platter with garnishes like parsley or lemon wedges. Using colorful dipping sauces in small bowls can also add an attractive touch to your presentation.
Nutritional Benefits of Baked Chicken Tenders
Baked chicken tenders are not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to their fried counterparts. Chicken is a lean protein source, low in fat and high in essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
Baked vs. Fried
When comparing baked to fried chicken tenders, the difference in calorie and fat content is significant. Baked tenders typically contain fewer calories and less unhealthy fat, making them a healthier choice for those mindful of their diet.
Homemade Sauce Benefits
Making your own dipping sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring a healthier option without preservatives often found in store-bought sauces. Plus, you can customize the sweetness and spiciness to your liking, adding a personal touch to your meal.
Conclusion
In summary, these crispy baked chicken tenders paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce are a delightful and simple dish to prepare. Not only are they tasty, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried options. We encourage you to try making this recipe at home to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal. Remember, the versatility of chicken tenders allows for endless customization, making them perfect for various occasions. Enjoy this dish and make it your own!
