Crispy & Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders: A Healthier Family Favorite with a Kick!
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Chicken tenders hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially children. They are a universal comfort food, often seen as a staple on kids’ menus everywhere. But who says chicken tenders are just for kids? With a few simple tweaks, these tender, juicy strips of white meat chicken can be transformed into an exciting and flavorful meal that the whole family, including adults, will rave about. Our recipe takes the classic chicken tender and elevates it with a delightful spicy kick, all while keeping it healthier by baking instead of frying.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy, Baked Chicken Tenders
When it comes to homemade chicken tenders, achieving that perfect crispy exterior without the grease of deep frying is key. Our recipe uses a brilliant combination of buttermilk and crushed corn flakes, seasoned with a blend of spices, including a generous dash of cayenne pepper. This ensures a beautifully golden-brown crust that’s incredibly crunchy, while the chicken inside remains wonderfully moist and tender. For families like ours, where spicy food is a welcome delight, adding cayenne pepper turns a simple dish into a winning situation.
The inspiration for these homemade chicken tenders struck after making our Crispy “Oven-Fried” Chicken in a Biscuit Sandwiches. That meal sparked a nostalgic conversation with my husband, who recalled a cherished childhood memory. As the youngest in his family, with older siblings already grown, he often enjoyed weekend dinners out with his parents and their friends. He fondly remembered ordering chicken tenders at a particular restaurant, a simple pleasure that brought back warm memories.
Dipping into Nostalgia: The Melted Butter Revelation
My husband’s most surprising detail about those childhood chicken tenders was that they were always served with warm, melted butter for dipping. Now, for us, melted butter is typically reserved for crab legs or lobster, a decadent treat for seafood. Chicken tenders? We had always been “dip ’em in Ranch” kind of people. The idea of butter seemed unconventional, but how could we resist trying it, especially when it held such a special place in his memories? So, we embarked on a culinary experiment.
We prepared a small dish of warm melted butter alongside our usual favorites: creamy Ranch dressing and tangy BBQ sauce. The verdict? The melted butter was surprisingly good! It added a rich, luxurious touch to the crispy chicken, creating a unique flavor experience that truly complemented the savory tenders. Of course, having options ensures everyone at the table finds their perfect dip. This makes these baked chicken tenders versatile for any preference.
The Perfect Pairing: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad
For a complete and well-rounded meal, we served our spicy baked chicken tenders with classic warm mashed potatoes and gravy, alongside a vibrant and delicious Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad. This salad is a game-changer when it comes to adding a fresh, flavorful, and convenient side to any meal.
Paisley Farm Foods’ signature All Natural Four Bean Salad is a delightful blend of kidney, garbanzo, green, and wax beans, beautifully accented with freshly diced onions and red peppers. What makes this salad truly exceptional is its convenient “straight from the jar” goodness. It’s ready to serve, making it one of their most popular items for busy families and discerning foodies alike. The colorful medley of beans and vegetables, combined with its unique sweet and savory flavor profile, makes it a versatile side dish suitable for any occasion – from elegant gourmet table settings to casual summer picnics and backyard BBQs. Its natural ingredients and crisp texture provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy chicken tenders.
Established in 1945, Paisley Farm Foods has a rich history rooted in quality. While the world has evolved significantly since then, one core human desire remains constant: the need for convenient, deliciously prepared foods made from fresh, high-quality vegetables. Paisley Farm continues to uphold this tradition, offering products that cater to modern lifestyles without compromising on taste or natural goodness. Their commitment to all-natural ingredients ensures that you’re serving your family only the best.
The Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad was truly the perfect accompaniment to these spicy chicken tenders, offering a light, flavorful, and healthy contrast. It’s an ideal side for grilling season, picnics, or simply adding a burst of freshness to any weeknight dinner. Ready to enhance your meals with this fantastic product? Find out where to find Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad near you, today!
Making Your Own Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders: Simple Steps for Delicious Results
The beauty of this spicy baked chicken tenders recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal ingredients. You’ll need chicken tenderloins, buttermilk (or a quick homemade substitute), crushed corn flake cereal, and a few key spices. The combination creates an irresistible texture and flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for more.
Speaking of buttermilk, don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand. I rarely purchase real buttermilk, as it’s incredibly easy to make your own substitute with just two ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen: milk (or cream) and lemon juice (or white vinegar). Simply add two teaspoons of lemon juice to half a cup of milk or cream, stir, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it slightly thickens and curdles. This creates the perfect acidic base to tenderize the chicken and help the corn flake coating adhere beautifully.
Once your buttermilk is ready, or if you’re using store-bought, you’ll set up your dredging station. In one bowl, you’ll have your buttermilk. In another, you’ll combine your crushed corn flakes with the spices: cayenne pepper for that desirable heat, garlic powder for savory depth, and salt to enhance all the flavors. The crushed corn flakes are the star here, providing an unparalleled crunch that mimics fried chicken without the added fat and mess. For best results, crush them finely enough to stick to the chicken but leave some larger pieces for texture.
The process is straightforward: dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off, then transfer it to the corn flake mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the cereal to ensure a thick and even coating. This layer is what will become golden and crispy in the oven. For optimal crispiness and even baking, ensure the tenders are not overcrowded on the baking sheet; arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. You might want to line your cookie sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Once coated, simply place them on a prepared cookie sheet and bake them in a preheated oven. The beauty of baking is how effortlessly these tenders achieve perfection. They emerge from the oven beautifully golden, perfectly cooked through, incredibly moist on the inside, and wonderfully crunchy on the outside. This method ensures consistent results every single time, making it a reliable recipe for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal.
These homemade spicy baked chicken tenders are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They bring together the comfort of a classic dish, the excitement of a little heat, and the satisfaction of a healthier preparation. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, alongside comforting sides like mashed potatoes, or for a lighter, fresher option, pair them with Paisley Farm’s delicious Four Bean Salad. What are you waiting for? Let’s make some!
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Print Recipe
Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- 1/2 cup milk or cream + 2 teaspoon lemon juice OR 1/2 cup buttermilk (for homemade buttermilk substitute)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups crushed Corn Flake Cereal (ensure finely crushed for best coating)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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If making homemade buttermilk: Combine milk or cream with lemon juice in a bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes to curdle. Otherwise, use store-bought buttermilk.
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In a separate shallow bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and crushed cornflakes. Mix well until evenly distributed. This will be your breading mixture.
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Dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the tenderloin to the corn flake mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a complete and even coating.
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Arrange the coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
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Bake for 12 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) on a meat thermometer and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as hot melted butter, creamy Ranch, sweet Honey Mustard, or classic BBQ Sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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