Crispy Baked “KFC” Chicken Tenders: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Craving the crispy, flavorful goodness of KFC-style chicken but prefer a homemade, baked version? This baked “KFC” chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the classic taste of fried chicken with less oil and fewer calories. With a delicious blend of spices, tender chicken soaked in buttermilk, and a crispy coating, this recipe will soon become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the steps for making your own crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders at home!

Ingredients for Baked “KFC” Chicken Tenders

Chicken and Marinade:

1 1/2 – 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk

Seasoned Coating:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp Season-All seasoning salt

3/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika

Baking:

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), cut into pieces

Instructions for Making Baked “KFC” Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Soak the Chicken in Buttermilk
Place the thawed chicken breast tenderloins in a bowl and pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. A high baking temperature will help achieve that crispy exterior on the chicken.
Melt the Butter in the Baking Dish
Cut the 1/4 cup of butter into several pieces and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts.

Coat the Baking Dish
Once melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven and spread the butter around the bottom. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray if needed to ensure the entire bottom is coated. This will help prevent sticking and add flavor to the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Coating

Mix the Seasonings
In a medium-sized bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the following ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp Season-All seasoning salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika Mix well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove Chicken from Buttermilk
Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off.
Coat in Seasoned Flour
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat on all sides. The seasoned flour will create a deliciously crispy outer layer when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Arrange Chicken in the Baking Dish
Place each piece of coated chicken in the baking dish with the melted butter, leaving space between each tender.
Bake for 20 Minutes
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake will allow the bottom of the chicken to become golden brown and start forming a crispy crust.
Flip the Chicken and Bake Again
After 20 minutes, flip each piece of chicken to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your chicken should be crispy and golden brown on the outside.

Tips for Perfect Baked “KFC” Chicken

Use Fresh Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, so fresh buttermilk is ideal. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Let the Coating Set: After coating the chicken in the flour mixture, let it sit for a minute or two before placing it in the baking dish. This helps the flour stick better, creating a crispier exterior.
Space Out the Chicken: Leave a bit of space between each piece in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Use High-Quality Spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference in flavor. Choose high-quality paprika and pepper for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe. Just slice them into strips that are similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking.

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk?

For maximum flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. However, if you’re short on time, even a 20-30 minute soak will help tenderize the meat and improve the flavor.

Can I Use Unsalted Butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. If so, you may want to increase the salt in the flour mixture slightly to maintain the balance of flavors.

How Can I Tell When the Chicken is Done?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Can I Reheat Leftover Baked “KFC” Chicken?

Yes, leftover chicken can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.

Is There a Substitute for Season-All Seasoning Salt?

If you don’t have Season-All seasoning salt, you can make a substitute by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the ratios to taste.

What Sides Pair Well with Baked “KFC” Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.

This baked “KFC” chicken recipe gives you the delicious flavor of fried chicken without the extra oil. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. This healthier alternative will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Enjoy this homemade take on a fast-food favorite, knowing it’s baked and better for you!