Baked crispy chicken

These crunchy baked chicken tenders are life-changing! The secret to truly golden, truly crunchy baked breaded chicken is to toast the breadcrumbs in the oven first. Bonus: No dirty fingers with my quick crumbing technique!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of fried chicken but wants a healthier, less messy alternative. These baked chicken tenders are wonderfully crispy without the need for deep frying, which means fewer calories and less oil waste. Plus, they’re super easy to make with minimal cleanup required. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your waistline!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven
• 9×13 baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Medium-sized saucepan
• Whisk
• Three small pans or bowls for dipping

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Sauce:

• 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Crush the Ritz crackers finely and place them in one of the small pans. Add salt and pepper to the crushed crackers and mix well.
3. If using chicken breasts, cut each into three large pieces.
4. Set up your dipping station: Pour milk into one pan, grated cheese into another, and the cracker mixture in the last pan.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Next, press the chicken into the grated cheese, making sure the cheese adheres well.
7. Finally, coat the cheese-covered chicken with the cracker mixture, pressing it in firmly.
8. Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking pan and sprinkle dried parsley on top.
9. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
10. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter. Whisk over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and smooth.
11. Serve the crispy chicken with the hot sauce drizzled over the top.

Tips for Success

For extra crispy chicken, make sure the cheese is pressed firmly into the chicken before coating with crackers. You can also try letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the crust to settle.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracker mixture for a bit of heat. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese. Parmesan or mozzarella works great!

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

I hope you give these baked crispy chicken tenders a try! They’re a delicious, healthier alternative to fried chicken that you can enjoy anytime. If you do make them, I’d love to hear how it went! Share your experience in the comments below.