Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders (4-Ingredients Only!)
Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort? These 4-ingredient Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this recipe delivers gourmet taste without the fuss.
Growing up, chicken tenders were always a treat in my family.
My mom would whip up her signature herb-crusted version, and the aroma alone was enough to bring everyone to the table.
This simplified version pays homage to her recipe while keeping it quick and convenient for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple Ingredients: Only four ingredients, all easily found in your pantry or local grocery store.
- Quick to Make: From prep to plate in just about 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Delicious: A lighter take on crispy chicken tenders with fresh herb flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters and adults alike.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $12
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs and chopped herbs. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the herb-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the tenders cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted but reduce the quantity by half.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spacing the chicken tenders ensures they bake evenly and stay crispy.
- Optional Air Fryer Method: For extra crispiness, try cooking these in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for an extra savory twist.
Common Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
What herbs work best for this recipe?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or even a blend of Italian herbs complement the chicken beautifully.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the tenders a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
More Quick & Easy 4 ingredient chicken recipes –
- Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- 4 Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Chicken
- 4-Ingredient BBQ Ranch Chicken
- Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
- 4-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
- 4-Ingredient Buffalo Ranch Chicken
- Maple Dijon Chicken Breast
Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders (4-Ingredients Only!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs and chopped herbs. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the herb-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the tenders cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted but reduce the quantity by half.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spacing the chicken tenders ensures they bake evenly and stay crispy.
- Optional Air Fryer Method: For extra crispiness, try cooking these in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for an extra savory twist.
This recipe brings a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor to your table.
I hope it becomes a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.
Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
