Looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s both quick and easy? This Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, these chicken tenders are juicy, packed with garlic and buttery goodness, and require just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make this easy chicken tender recipe for dinner with few ingredients. Let’s dive in!
Benefits and Advantages of Easy Chicken Tender Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, flavor, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for almost any household. Here are some of the main reasons why this easy chicken tender recipe for dinner should be on your menu:
- Quick and Convenient: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, from start to finish.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: These chicken tenders are universally loved by kids and adults alike, making them a fantastic family dinner choice.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Baked instead of fried, these chicken tenders contain less oil, making them a healthier option. High in protein and low in carbs, they’re perfect for those watching their macros or following a balanced diet.
- Versatile Flavor: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory taste that complements the crispy breadcrumb coating. You can easily tweak the spices and herbs to your preference, making it versatile for any palate.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like garlic, butter, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, this recipe keeps costs low without compromising on taste.
If you’re ready to try a satisfying dinner without the hassle, let’s gather those ingredients!
Ingredients Overview
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this delicious chicken tender recipe with few ingredients:
- Chicken Tenders – 1 pound of chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. They are lean, high in protein, and cook quickly.
- Butter – 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. It’s a key ingredient for that rich, savory garlic butter taste.
- Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic brings out robust, fragrant flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. They help create a crispy coating on the chicken tenders.
- Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup, finely grated. It adds a salty, cheesy element that pairs perfectly with garlic butter.
- Salt and Pepper – ½ teaspoon each, or to taste. Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- Optional Spices – Try adding ½ teaspoon of paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried parsley for a hint of extra flavor.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Easy Chicken Tender Recipe
This recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs. Here are some substitution options:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free substitute like olive oil or vegan butter. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Low-Sodium: Adjust the salt levels to suit your dietary needs, especially if using salted butter.
- Keto-Friendly: For a lower-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
These substitutions help make this recipe accessible to everyone, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious flavors while meeting dietary preferences. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Perfect Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Guide
With just a few steps, you’ll have juicy, crispy, and garlic-infused chicken tenders ready to enjoy. Here’s how:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare a Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, melt the butter (about 4 tablespoons) in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the chicken, helping the breadcrumbs stick better.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you’d like to add, like paprika or Italian seasoning. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender, dip it into the garlic butter mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken tenders to ensure they crisp up on both sides. They should be golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious as is, but you can garnish them with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.
These garlic butter chicken tenders are best enjoyed right out of the oven for maximum crispiness. Serve them with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara. Enjoy!
Mastering Easy Chicken Tender Recipes for Dinner: Advanced Tips and Variations
To perfect your easy chicken tender recipe even further, here are some additional tips and variations:
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy crust, try double-dipping your tenders. First, coat them in flour, then dip in garlic butter, followed by breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for added crunch.
- Add Herbs for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil add a refreshing, aromatic quality to the dish. Mix them into the breadcrumbs or sprinkle them on top before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Make It a Complete Meal: Serve the chicken tenders with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a well-rounded dinner.
- Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, cook the tenders at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method makes them extra crispy without added oil.
These variations allow you to customize the recipe and keep things interesting while still enjoying the original’s savory flavors.
How to Store Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders: Best Practices
If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them correctly to maintain freshness and flavor:
- Refrigerating: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the coating crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
Proper storage and reheating methods ensure that your chicken tenders retain their texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them for days to come.
Nutritional Value of Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders offer a balanced mix of nutrients, making them a wholesome dinner choice:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (depending on the amount of breadcrumbs and butter used)
- Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
- Fat: 10-15 grams (with some healthy fats from butter)
- Carbohydrates: Around 12-15 grams (mostly from breadcrumbs)
- Fiber: 1-2 grams (with the option to increase by using whole-grain breadcrumbs)
- Sodium: Approximately 300-350 mg (depending on the salt and cheese)
These values make this easy chicken tender recipe suitable for various diets, offering high protein and relatively low carb content, especially if you choose low-carb breadcrumbs.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Tender Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Yes! Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips, similar in size to tenders, and follow the recipe as instructed.
2. What can I use as a breadcrumb substitute?
- For a low-carb option, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Panko crumbs can also be used for an extra crispy texture.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative. For the Parmesan, either omit it or use a vegan cheese substitute.
4. Can I prepare the chicken tenders in advance?
- Yes, you can bread the tenders and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. This makes dinnertime even faster and easier.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce for garlic butter chicken tenders?
- These tenders are versatile! Pair them with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a garlic aioli for extra flavor.
By following this guide, you’ll have all the tips and tricks needed to make the ultimate Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders. Enjoy your meal, and don’t be surprised when your family asks for seconds!