Best Ever Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
My Grandloves think that McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
are a staple of life.
Every time we go by a McD’s – they yell out “Nugget Time.”
Well, I decided its time they get a taste of some real,
honest-to-goodness chicken.
Hormone-free chicken. Baked in the oven with no oil.
They took so little time to prepare, and even though I was met
with some resistance at first because they weren’t “round” –
they ate all of their chicken tenders and even asked for more.
Grammy One: 1 McDonald’s: 0
I started out by cutting two large breasts in finger-sized pieces.
I simply sea-salted and peppered them – nothing fancy.
While the oven was pre-heating to 400 degrees, I prepared a
baking sheet with a quick rub of olive oil.
Next, I let the chicken pieces swim around in a mixture of one
cup of organic buttermilk and 3 beaten egg whites.
If you’ve never soaked your chicken in buttermilk, you are missing
out on an old Southern tradition which makes for the juiciest
and moistest chicken ever.
Next, I mixed two cups of Panko bread crumbs and one
I can’t tell you the last time I used real bread crumbs.
Panko is Great-o!
They were baked about 6-8 mins on each side until they were
golden brown.
I fixed a quick Buttermilk-Chive dipping sauce…
(one part Buttermilk, one part sour cream, chives,
I served them with Roasted Broccoli and Honey-Almond Fruit Salad.
But, not too full for some Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream.
With a double helping of chocolate sprinkles..
Oh well, I tried to keep it healthy.
Note: Please don’t judge how good these were by these pics.
They are courtesy of my iPhone. :-/
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Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Yummy!
View CommentAll Ways Designing says
MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmm! Looks good!
View CommentLeslie's Garden says
They look delicious! I’ve never soaked in buttermilk, always just regular milk. And they definitely taste a lot better than any fast food! Lucky kids!!!
View CommentCarlene @ Organized Clutter says
I am going to try them. I never heard of the buttermilk, but I like Panko breading.
View CommentCindy says
I love making these! My daughter used to love them too when she was little. If you make extra you can make a quick chicken Parmesan the next night.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Looks really good….love Panko bread crumbs…Grew up on it!!….
View CommentNanaDiana says
Those sound great! I have one grandson that LOVES those McD’s ones too. These are a much better alternative- xo Diana
View CommentJane says
These sound delicious! I love the buttermilk and egg white soak…it would definitely add flavor. This is a much healthier option that the fried McNuggets!
Is the olive oil needed for flavor or is it just to keep the chicken from sticking?
View CommentBarbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
I have got to try these!
View CommentBudget Design Girl says
YUM!!! Please share the recipe for the dipping sauce, and how you make the honey almond fruit salad!
I love panko instead of bread crumbs! Trying these for sure!
xo-Lisa
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
I have some chicken thawing out for tomorrow, I need to give this a try. Sounds so good. Thanks tons. Hugs, Marty
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
I bought my buttermilk to day for the chicken, so I can get it all ready for the tenders. I never have buttermilk, but thanks to you, I remembered.
Thanks for the great kuddos on the chairs. I think it will look amazing. I don’t mind the fabric for now either. I just need to find something that I really like, but since the existing fabric is neutral, there isn’t a huge rush. Hope you are having a really super day. Love ya tons. Hugs, Marty
View Comment~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says
Terrific. Got some buttermilk in the fridge leftover from the Red Velvet Cupcakes I made for a picnic over the weekend. Perfect.
View CommentThanks,~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Cindy The Victorian Journey says
This looks so good. Always looking for healthy ways to cook. Thanks for sharing… Cindy
View CommentBabs says
Yum! I love the combination of the panko and parmesan for the breading.
View CommentBabs
Rochelle says
Loved this…but crumbs didn’t get as Bown as your picture…suggestions?
View CommentRochelle says
Oh my…didn’t get as brown…sorry
View CommentBarb says
Rochell, I have an olive oil spritzer, but you can use regular olive oil cooking spray. Just before they are done, give them a good spray and place them under the broiler for just a few minutes. Watch them closely as they can burn before you know it. You can also brush them with some melted butter, but the spray is much easier. (remove the tray from the oven before spraying) Hope this helps. Glad you liked them.
View CommentRochelle says
Thanks for your reply. At the very end when they weren’t brown I did put them under the broiler…but int spritz with oo…will try next time. I did find a recipe for buttermilk dip…loved it with the chicken:)
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