FRYING CHICKEN: A FAMILY TRADITION
Oven fried chicken tenders aren’t really up my alley. In my family, fried chicken is a staple. It is a tradition that we don’t take lightly (literally and figuratively). There is a right way to do it and a wrong way. From an early age, I was indoctrinated into the proper way in which a bird is fried. So, needless to say, oven fried chicken is a new thing for my family.
Coming from a Southern family, learning how to fry chicken around the same time I learned how to ride a bike is not only considered normal but proper. There is simply nothing better than the perfectly seasoned golden exterior hiding the juicy tender inside and hearing the crunch in every single bite. When I fry chicken, I am serving love, and frying chicken tenders brings out the kid in me. Who doesn’t love crunchy fried chicken tenders?
HOW TO MAKE OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
However, nowadays I try to keep things lighter. As much as I want to devour chicken tenders every single week, I simply can’t for the sake of my thighs. They have started to rebel against carbs and my beloved fried chicken. I have found ways to get the same flavor I adore in fried chicken but in a more health friendly way. I tried several different ways of oven frying in the past but some just don’t work for me. I’m not a fan of recreating the crunch with things like cereal flakes and the whole nine. Instead, I keep this oven fried chicken tenders recipe very similar to my fried chicken recipe using the same seasoned flour but instead, I spray the chicken down with non-stick olive oil or vegetable/canola oil spray and a couple tablespoons of oil.
I also create some cool crumb action by doing something I learned from the Pioneer Woman. I add a drizzle of milk to my seasoned flour and then use a fork to create crumbs in the mixture. It is such a fantastic trick, and I LOVE the results. These chicken tenders are amazing, and I adore making them all the time. I even bake them in a cast iron skillet just to give me that ole school fried chicken feel. You won’t miss the hot oil at all after eating these. Note: this technique can be used with all chicken pieces to make all oven fried chicken.
Find more Fried Chicken recipes HERE
Oven Fried Chicken Tenders (Oven Fried Chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2- 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: Lemon wedges for garnish and serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together eggs, hot sauce and worcestershire and set aside.
- Next add flour, seasoned salt, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to a paper bag and shake to mix well.
- Drizzle milk into the flour and use a fork to mix it into the flour and create crumbs.
- Dip each chicken tender into flour mixture and then egg wash coating both sides then dip back into seasoned flour thoroughly coating each piece. Then add piece to baking sheet to rest.
- Finish coating all chicken and let sit for 10-15 minutes until coating has set.
- While coating sets, add parchment paper sheets to cast iron skillet or baking sheet and liberally spray with non stick cooking spray.
- Add floured chicken to parchment paper and liberally spray the tops of chicken tenders with non stick spray and drizzle the tops of chicken with tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout. Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle lemon on chicken if you wish.
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Kristen Cooley says
March 22, 2019 at 9:13 pmI’ve made a few recipes for oven fried chicken before and this one is tops! Enough flavor, but doesn’t overpower.
I accidentally forgot to put one chicken tender in flour first and there was a definite difference. Good to know now!
Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Kenton B says
July 26, 2018 at 5:59 pmThese chicken tenders are AMAZING! I knew as I was mixing the ingredients that the taste would be sublime because my mouth was watering from the aroma. The real confirmation is that my family loved them and said these are 5-star quality!
Kelly says
May 1, 2016 at 8:24 pmThese turned out great! I used this recipe for chicken and waffles…the combination was not a hit with the family, but they loved the chicken tenders by themselves. They were really easy and delcious. Thanks for sharing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 2, 2016 at 8:16 amSo glad you enjoyed the chicken tenders!!!
Meghan says
February 19, 2016 at 8:32 amI have never left a comment for a recipe before but HAD to for this recipe! Oh. My. God. This is the best chicken I have ever had! Ever. I couldn’t believe I made them. Better than any restaurant fried chicken and I live in Atlanta, home of the best restaurants with the best fried chicken! My husband thanks you, my picky 7 year old daughter thanks you, and I thank you!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
February 19, 2016 at 8:38 amI’m so so happy you enjoyed them Meghan!!!!!
The-FoodTrotter says
December 8, 2015 at 12:36 pmI love the baking idea, it makes your chicken tenders much more healthy and probably as tasty as in deep fryer 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
December 9, 2015 at 7:38 pmVery delish indeed!
Summer says
October 18, 2015 at 3:19 pmI feel like you should know that you’re my new hero, I adore you and this recipe is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing it! (Also: I feel like an idiot as I’ve never thought of doing the milk/flour thing but it makes so much sense and worked perfectly!)
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
October 19, 2015 at 1:02 pmIsn’t it fantastic!???
Fawn says
December 31, 2014 at 5:24 pmMade these today and they turned out great! Everyone loved them including my kids….who are VERY hard to please! Thank you!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
December 31, 2014 at 7:25 pmHooray so happy to read this Fawn! Happy New Year!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
October 14, 2014 at 9:51 amOooh… fried chicken tenders are my favorite savory food! I’d love to try a healthier version. I think I’m going to make these with the sweet potato fries!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
October 14, 2014 at 11:55 amNow that sounds like a plan. In fact, I wish I was having that dinner tonight!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
September 14, 2014 at 3:04 pmChicken tenders are a childhood favorite so I cannot wait to sink my teeth into some now! Must make!
Meghan says
September 3, 2014 at 9:05 pmThat’s some good looking chicken! I can’t wait to make it!
Brooks says
September 3, 2014 at 6:13 pmJocelyn, these are some fantastic-looking tenders you have here! And I know they’re packed with flavor by the spices. Beautiful, beautiful work.
Tamia says
September 3, 2014 at 11:12 amThese look amazing! I love fried chicken as well, but I need a healthy alternative to frying. Will definitely be trying this tonight! I’m curious…does the chicken get soggy from being baked in the cast iron pan? I want my chicken to come out crispy like it is in your pics. I’ve heard people complain about oven-fried chicken being soggy and not as crispy.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 3, 2014 at 9:20 pmI definitely don’t have a problem but I also use parchment paper underneath so you can also try that!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
September 2, 2014 at 10:26 pmThis looks absolutely delightful! I have to try it!
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
September 2, 2014 at 8:49 pmThis is the best looking baked fried chicken I’ve ever seen. Pinning to try soon!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 8:58 pmHooray thanks so much Krystle!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
September 2, 2014 at 8:36 pmI HAVE TO MAKE THESE! Girl-this so do not look like they’re baked! Amazing!!! Pinning!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 8:59 pmI’m so excited now. Nope these are totally baked. I promise!
Cathy Perez says
September 2, 2014 at 6:36 pmLove chicken tenders, Pinned!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 9:00 pmI love them too Cathy!
Tonia says
September 2, 2014 at 10:09 amI can’t believe they are fried! I’ll have to try them out on my family.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:12 pmThanks hon! Yep totally oven fried.
Meghan @ Spoonful of Flour says
September 2, 2014 at 10:03 amThese chicken tenders look so good and crispy, it’s hard to believe they aren’t fried! Perfect!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:12 pmThanks so much Meghan!!
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
September 2, 2014 at 9:17 amI can’t believe these aren’t fried – they look so crispy and delicious! I can’t wait to try them!! My thighs are like yours…they do not love fried chicken 🙁
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:13 pmYep Cate it seems like our thighs are kindred spirits.
Jackie says
September 1, 2014 at 9:39 pmHi Jocelyn
My my my oh I see you are keeping up with your new year’s resolution by posting savory foods. They look delicious, I love me some FRIED CHICKEN.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:13 pmHooray yep I am definitely sneaking more and more on the blog now.
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes says
September 1, 2014 at 9:23 pmOh my thighs thank you! Such a great trick with the milk and flour too. I can’t believe I missed that one. Thanks for sharing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:14 pmYes that trick is sooo golden!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
September 1, 2014 at 7:53 pmThese look delicious and I would agree so much better for your thighs! Thanks for sharing.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:14 pmOur thighs will thank us all Laura!
Arpita@ TheGastronomicBong says
September 1, 2014 at 6:45 pmI love fried chicken…Can’t believe this is oven fried.. Looks so crispy and delicious!! Definitely trying this.. 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:14 pmThanks Arpita!
Artney says
September 1, 2014 at 6:39 pmFried chicken = my weakness! If they taste and look fried…I’m loving it!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:15 pmSame here Artney! It is definitely my weakness as well.
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
September 1, 2014 at 4:52 pmOh my! I am dying over these oven baked chicken tenders!! They LOOK like they are fried!!! I never would have guessed that they are baked! Can’t wait to try.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:16 pmThanks Renee! I love how they fool everyone!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
September 1, 2014 at 3:54 pmI love how food = memories 🙂 These oven fried chicken tenders look amazing…I can’t do the fried chicken thing either, for the same reason, and this looks like a great alternative. Love the tip with the milk in the flour, I will have to try it!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:17 pmThanks Denise! Yep we all have our vices girl.
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
September 1, 2014 at 3:31 pmThese chicken tenders look awesome! I can’t believe they are oven-fried and I love all the seasonings you added.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 2, 2014 at 1:17 pmThanks so much Christin!!! I love chicken tenders so this is definitely a better way to have them!
Nicole says
September 1, 2014 at 1:27 pmI can understand your story. These look good. I haven’t been able to find a good recipe. Will try.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 2:10 pmThanks so much Nicole!
marcie says
September 1, 2014 at 11:52 amMy mom used to fry chicken all the time and I’ve never done it for my family. Shame on me! I need to learn from you and start frying, because the men in my house love fried chicken! I think I’ll start here and work my way up! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 2:09 pmThat’s so smart girl. Yep we had fried chicken all the time!
Zainab says
September 1, 2014 at 11:33 amGirl, this is amazing!!! I love that it is baked!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 2:09 pmThanks boo! It is saving me right now from the evils of frying.
Kate @ Diethood says
September 1, 2014 at 11:02 amI absolutely LOVE reading about your Southern roots!! So interesting and so comforting. And the recipes are, of course, BE.YOND!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 11:15 amAwww thanks my dear! Girl I love me some southern food haha.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
September 1, 2014 at 10:31 amJocelyn, I love this!! “Learning how to fry chicken around the same time I learned how to ride a bike is not only considered normal but proper.” I would expect nothing less from a Southern gal .. BUT I love that you baked these. . I love frying at home but hate the clean-up and sometimes the smell/odor that’s left!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 11:16 amHa thank you my dear! And I totally get you about that clean up. It can be a beast especially with so much other work to do.
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
September 1, 2014 at 10:25 amThis looks delicious! Chicken tenders are my favourite comfort food! Love the fact they’re oven-fried! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 11:14 amThanks so much Jess! The oven frying definitely allows you to splurge a bit more on a few more haha!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
September 1, 2014 at 10:24 amWow, I can’t believe these are baked in the oven! They look gorgeous, and with how much my husband loves fried chicken, I bet this baked version would finally win him over. Pinning this one for later! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 1, 2014 at 11:10 amYep girl this definitely won my husband over! Thanks hon!