Craving crispy, golden chicken tenders without breaking the bank? Look no further than our "Pimping on Budget Naked Chicken Tenders"! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you desire in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of these delicious tenders that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your mealtime game with this budget-friendly twist on a classic favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast cut into strips, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 beaten egg.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken tenders.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until it's well mixed. This will be used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Take each chicken strip and first dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated.
- After coating the chicken in egg, transfer it to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken strip into the breadcrumbs to ensure it is thoroughly covered. Repeat this process for all chicken strips.
- Once all the chicken strips are coated, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- To check for doneness, ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your Pimping on Budget Naked Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken strips and breadcrumb mixture in advance. Just coat the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Customize Your Coating: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even grated Parmesan can add a unique twist!
- Ensure Even Cooking: For the crispiest tenders, make sure to space them out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Serve your chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing to keep things exciting!
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
