I call these Kid Chef Baked Chicken Tenders, because I developed this recipe in a way that allows young kids to help, while keeping them salmonella free! Because having kids in the kitchen can be stressful enough, am I right?

These chicken tenders are shake and bake style and a use a large zip close bag as a barrier between the chicken and your littles hands. Simply add the chicken tenders (that you already cut in half cross-ways), and then pour over the egg. Have them squish it all around. I recommend letting them do that over a rimmed baking sheet just in case there is an accident. Then open the bag up and let them sprinkle in their bread crumb mixture, and then shake it up all over again. Try and make sure all the tenders get their share of breading.

Then I recommend the grown up takes back over and lay your chicken out on a parchment lined baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and you’re good to go. When I tested this recipe, I was able to get them in the oven in less than ten minutes. Adding a toddler will about double that (haha), and still have these yummy, crispy homemade chicken nuggets in less than 30 minutes.

If you buy the family pack of tenders and want to prep a bunch ahead of time. Simply go ahead and cook them, then heat them up in the oven, microwave, or (my favorite) the air fryer until they reach an internal temperature of 165*F. This is a great, cost effective alternative to store bought chicken nuggets. It is also a great way to get your child cooking, especially if they are already a fan of chicken nuggets.

Kid Chef Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 egg

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 gallon sized zip closure bag

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400*F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut tenderloins in half cross ways. Add to zip closure bag.
3. Add egg to a small bowl, whisk until smooth. Add to bag and seal bag. Have your child smoosh the egg around until it coats the chicken.
4. Add bread crumbs and seasoning to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over chicken. Seal bag. Have your child squish and shake the bag until the tenders are coated.
5. Spread chicken tenders evenly over baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165*F.