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Chicken Tenders with Italian Herb Crust Recipe

Chicken Tenders with Italian Herb Crust Recipe

4.8 from 17 reviews

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in an Italian herb and Parmesan crust, baked to perfection, and served with a spicy, sweet, and tangy hot honey lemon feta sauce. This recipe combines tender marinated chicken with bold flavors for an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Italian Herb Crust

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Hot Honey Lemon Feta Sauce

  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes to ensure they are tender and flavorful.
  2. Prepare the Italian Herb Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil until well combined.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating adheres well.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or food processor, blend the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, hot sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Serve the Chicken: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving plate.
  7. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the hot honey lemon feta sauce over the chicken tenders, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce according to your preference.
  8. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for more tenderness and flavor.
  • Ensure the breadcrumb coating is pressed firmly onto the chicken to prevent it from falling off during baking.
  • You can adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the sauce to control spiciness.
  • For a crispier crust, you may lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.
  • Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy chicken tenders, hot honey chicken, crispy chicken, feta sauce, Italian herb crust, baked chicken tenders