Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders with a Garlic Basil Aioli

Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with these Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders with a Garlic Basil Aioli! Perfectly crunchy and loaded with a kick of spice, these oven-baked chicken tenders are marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend, then coated in a seasoned crumb mixture featuring panko, Parmesan, and bold spices like paprika and cayenne. They're baked to golden perfection, making them a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing crispiness. Paired with a creamy, garlicky basil aioli infused with bright lemon, this dish strikes the perfect balance of heat and refreshment. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main dish, these chicken tenders are sure to delight your taste buds. Great for game nights, family dinners, or simply when you're craving something irresistibly flavorful!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken tenders
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Hot sauce
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 Egg
• 1 Olive oil spray
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tsp Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

In a separate dish, whisk the egg. In a third dish, place the flour.

Step 5

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.

Step 6

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 7

Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 8

While the tenders are baking, prepare the garlic basil aioli by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped basil, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 9

Serve the spicy baked chicken tenders hot with the garlic basil aioli on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1096.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3145.0

Total Fat 200.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 614.9mg	0%
Sodium 7680.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 196.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 18.6g
Protein 142.4g	0%

Vitamin D 174.9IU	0%
Calcium 1080.7mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 1793.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.1%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 24.8%