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Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Flavorful, and Family-Approved!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Paisley Farms, but the opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the companies and products that make An Affair from the Heart possible.

There’s something universally appealing about chicken tenders. For many children, and let’s be honest, for plenty of adults too, they represent a quintessential comfort food. The golden, crispy coating encasing succulent white meat chicken is hard to resist. While deep-fried versions are common, we’re here to share a recipe for **Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders** that delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave, without the extra grease, making it a healthier and equally delicious option for your family’s dinner table.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Our rendition of these beloved chicken tenders takes a classic favorite and elevates it with a delightful kick. Instead of traditional breading, we use a mixture of buttermilk, finely crushed corn flakes, and a special blend of spices, including a touch of cayenne pepper for that irresistible spicy warmth. Baking them to perfection ensures each tender is wonderfully moist on the inside and incredibly crunchy on the outside, a texture that rivals any fried chicken tender you’ve ever tasted.

We’ve found that adding a hint of cayenne pepper transforms these tenders from merely good to truly exceptional. Our kids, who enjoy a bit of spice, absolutely adore them this way, making them a regular and eagerly anticipated meal in our household. This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters or simply to spice up a familiar dish for the whole family.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for these delectable baked chicken tenders actually stemmed from another beloved recipe: our Crispy “Oven-Fried” Chicken in a Biscuit Sandwiches. After making those, my husband shared a nostalgic memory of his childhood. As the youngest in his family, with older siblings already grown, many of his weekends involved special dinner outings with his parents, sometimes joined by their friends. His go-to order? Chicken tenders.

What truly surprised us was his description of how they were served: always with warm, melted butter for dipping. While melted butter is a classic accompaniment for crab legs or lobster, for chicken tenders? It was a concept entirely new to us. Our family has always leaned more towards the “dip ’em in Ranch” philosophy, or perhaps a tangy BBQ sauce.

Naturally, such an intriguing culinary anecdote meant we simply *had* to try it! So, for our first batch of these homemade tenders, we prepared a trio of dipping options: warm melted butter, our trusty Ranch dressing, and a rich BBQ sauce. This way, there was truly something to satisfy every palate at the table, honoring both cherished childhood memories and our own family traditions.

These flavorful chicken tenders were served alongside comforting warm mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and a vibrant addition that truly completed the meal: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad. The combination was a resounding success, creating a meal that felt both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh.

Introducing Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad: A Perfect Pairing

Let’s talk about the star side dish that brought an extra layer of freshness and flavor to our meal: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad. This delightful salad is more than just a side; it’s a versatile and convenient culinary gem. Paisley Farm Food’s signature All Natural Four Bean Salad is a meticulously crafted, sweet blend of kidney, garbanzo, green, and wax beans. These are beautifully accented with freshly diced onions and crisp red peppers, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

One of the best aspects of this bean salad is its incredible convenience. It’s ready to serve straight from the jar, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want to add a healthy and delicious component to your meal without extra prep. Its vibrant colors and appealing flavors make it a favorite for any occasion, from elegant gourmet table settings to casual summer picnics and everything in between. It truly is one of Paisley Farm’s most popular items, and for good reason.

Paisley Farm: A Legacy of Quality and Convenience

Paisley Farm Foods has a rich history, established way back in 1945. While the world has evolved significantly since then, and the lives of families and their mealtime routines have changed, one fundamental desire remains constant: the craving for convenient, deliciously prepared foods made from fresh, high-quality vegetables. Paisley Farm understands this timeless need, and their commitment to delivering wholesome, flavorful products shines through in every jar.

The Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad was indeed the perfect accompaniment to our homemade spicy chicken tenders. Its crisp texture and sweet-tangy flavor provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and mashed potatoes. It’s definitely destined to become a staple for grilling season, picnics, and any occasion where you need a reliable, delicious side dish. Don’t wait to try it for yourself – find out where to purchase Paisley Farm products today!

Crafting Your Own Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders: Simple Steps for Success

Making these **homemade chicken tenders** is incredibly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients to achieve that irresistible crispy coating and tender interior. You’ll need chicken breast tenderloins, buttermilk (or a quick homemade substitute), and crushed corn flake cereal seasoned with your favorite spices, especially that touch of cayenne pepper for the perfect amount of heat.

A Quick Tip: DIY Buttermilk

Don’t have real buttermilk on hand? No problem! It’s incredibly easy to make your own with just two ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Simply combine milk (dairy or non-dairy works) with a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and it will curdle slightly, mimicking the acidity and texture of real buttermilk. This homemade version works perfectly for tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating adhere.

The process is straightforward: first, dip each chicken tenderloin into the prepared buttermilk, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps the dry coating stick. Next, dredge the buttermilk-soaked chicken in the seasoned crushed corn flake mixture. Press gently to ensure a good, even coating on all sides. This is key to achieving that signature crispy texture.

Once coated, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. For best results and maximum crispiness, consider placing them on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around all sides of the chicken, preventing a soggy bottom. Bake them in a preheated oven until they are golden brown, cooked through, and deliciously crunchy.

Every time we make them, these **oven-baked chicken tenders** come out perfectly done, wonderfully moist on the inside, and incredibly crunchy on the outside. It’s a foolproof method for a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes fantastic and is significantly lighter than its fried counterparts.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make some of these delicious, **easy-to-make spicy baked chicken tenders** that your family will undoubtedly request again and again!

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Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders in a basket and on a white plate

Average Rating: 4.70 from 10 votes

Print Recipe

Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders

Tender white meat chicken tenders, breaded in buttermilk, corn flakes and spices and baked (not fried) to perfection.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 12 mins

Total Time: 22 mins

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 291 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
1/2 cup milk or cream + 2 teaspoon lemon juice OR 1/2 cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups crushed Corn Flake Cereal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
Combine milk or cream with lemon juice, let stand for 10 minutes (to make homemade buttermilk), or simply use store-bought buttermilk.
Combine cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and crushed cornflakes in a bowl. Set aside.
Dip each chicken tenderloin in the buttermilk, then coat thoroughly in the corn flake mixture.
Lay the coated tenders in a single layer on a cookie sheet. For extra crispiness, use a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Serve immediately with hot melted butter, Ranch, Honey Mustard, or BBQ Sauce.

Nutrition

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We’d love to hear from you! What creative dishes or favorite meals will you serve Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad with? Share your ideas in the comments below!