Crispy & Delicious Oven Baked Chicken Goujons (Homemade Chicken Tenders)
Discover how to make the ultimate family-favourite chicken goujons, also known as chicken tenders, right in your own kitchen! This recipe guarantees succulent, tender chicken breast enveloped in a perfectly crispy, golden coating, all oven-baked for a healthier, lighter finish. Forget store-bought versions – with this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying fresh, flavourful homemade chicken goujons in under 30 minutes. They’re not just for dinner; these versatile bites make fantastic cold leftovers for lunch, picnics, or buffet spreads.
Craving a classic comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these homemade chicken goujons. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Once you experience the superior taste and texture of freshly prepared chicken tenders, you’ll undoubtedly want to make them a staple in your meal rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights, these goujons come together quickly, offering a nutritious and delicious alternative to processed freezer options.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Goujons Recipe
There are countless reasons why these chicken goujons will quickly become a cherished recipe in your household:
- ⭐️ Healthier Oven Baked: Unlike traditional fried chicken, these goujons are baked to perfection, resulting in a lighter, healthier meal without sacrificing that desirable crispy exterior. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a family favorite.
- ⭐️ Unbeatable Freshness & Flavor: Using fresh ingredients means you control exactly what goes into your food. The taste of homemade is simply incomparable, delivering succulent chicken with a vibrant, customizable coating that store-bought versions can’t match.
- ⭐️ A True Family Favourite: Loved by both children and adults, chicken goujons are a universally appealing dish. They’re perfect for picky eaters, adaptable to various palates with different seasonings and dips, and make mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
- ⭐️ Quick & Easy Prep: With a total time of approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules. Most of the time is hands-off baking, leaving you free to prepare sides or relax.
- ⭐️ Versatile Meal Option: Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, chop them into salads, stuff them into wraps, or offer them as an appetizer at parties. Their versatility makes them a go-to for any occasion.
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Goujons
Achieving perfectly crispy and delicious chicken goujons is simpler than you think. Here are some insider tips to elevate your homemade tenders:
- ⭐️ Choose Your Breadcrumbs Wisely: While any breadcrumbs will work, Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended. Their larger, flakier texture results in a significantly crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you prefer, you can certainly make your own breadcrumbs from stale bread – a fantastic way to reduce food waste.
- ⭐️ Master the Coating Process: The traditional method of dipping each chicken strip individually into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs works well. However, for a quicker and less messy approach, try the “Tupperware shake” method! Simply place your chicken strips in a large lidded Tupperware or a sturdy bag, add the seasoned flour, shake until coated, then repeat with the beaten egg, and finally with the breadcrumbs. This shortcut saves time and keeps your hands cleaner. You can see a video demonstration of this technique in our Homemade Fish Fingers recipe.
- ⭐️ Versatile Cooking Methods: While this recipe focuses on oven baking for a healthier option, these goujons are incredibly versatile. You can also cook them in an air fryer for an extra-crispy finish with minimal oil, or even deep fry them if you prefer a more indulgent treat. Details for alternative cooking methods are provided further down.
- ⭐️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When baking, ensure there’s enough space between each goujon on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of crisping it, leading to a soggy coating. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- ⭐️ Even Slicing for Even Cooking: Cut your chicken breasts into uniform strips. This ensures that all goujons cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still cooking.
Chicken Goujons Ingredients Notes
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to delicious homemade chicken goujons. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Chicken breast: Opt for high-quality, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts. These are ideal for slicing into uniform strips, ensuring even cooking. Approximately 600g (1.3 lb) or 4 medium breasts will typically serve 4 people.
- Plain flour: All-purpose flour forms the first layer of coating, helping the egg adhere better to the chicken. This initial dredge is crucial for a complete and even breading.
- Paprika: This spice adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, sweet, peppery flavour to your goujons. You can experiment by substituting it with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste, a pinch of chilli flakes for a subtle kick, or a smaller amount of cayenne pepper if you desire more heat. Garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Italian seasoning can also be incorporated for different flavour profiles.
- Eggs: Two medium, free-range beaten eggs act as the binding agent, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick firmly to the seasoned flour-coated chicken. Ensure they are well beaten for an even consistency.
- Breadcrumbs: As mentioned, Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their superior crispiness. However, regular fine breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs (made from blitzed stale bread) will also work. Choose what you have on hand or what you prefer for texture.
- Oil for greasing: A light coating of oil on your baking sheet is essential to prevent sticking and helps achieve that desirable golden, crispy bottom crust. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or a cooking spray can be used.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the flour mixture, enhancing all the other flavours. Adjust to your taste.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Goujons: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these scrumptious chicken goujons is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, crispy results every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Start by preheating your oven to 200℃ (400°F) fan, 220℃ (425°F) static, or Gas Mark 7. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into even, finger-shaped strips, roughly 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) wide. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station. In a small bowl, combine the plain flour with paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the two medium eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place your breadcrumbs. Now, individually dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour (shaking off excess), then into the beaten egg, and finally generously coat it in the breadcrumbs. Alternatively, use the ‘Tupperware shake’ method described in the tips above for a mess-free coating! Ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking. Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken goujons on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Give them a little space so they can crisp up properly rather than steam.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection & Serve. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken strips; thinner pieces may be done in 15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and delightfully crispy. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauces and sides!
Customizations and Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Flavouring Variations: The paprika is a suggestion, but your flavour possibilities are endless! For more heat, add extra chilli powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. For an herby twist, mix dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savoury notes. For a cheesy crust, grate some Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumbs. Feel free to experiment with your favourite spice blends! If you prefer them plain, a simple mix of salt and pepper will suffice.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Goujons: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. The process remains exactly the same.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies.
- Egg Alternative: If you need an egg-free option, you can try using a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond milk) mixed with a little cornstarch as a binder, or a commercial egg replacer, though the texture might vary slightly.
Storing Leftovers & Meal Prep Tips
These chicken goujons are excellent for meal prep and storing, whether cooked or uncooked:
In the Fridge (Cooked):
Cooked goujons are fantastic served cold as a convenient finger food for packed lunches, picnics, or quick snacks. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always ensure they are within their ‘use by’ dates, especially for the chicken itself.
To Make Ahead and Freeze (Uncooked):
For the best results and ultimate freshness upon cooking, you can prepare and freeze the goujons before baking them. Once coated, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, label with the date, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, remove them from the freezer in the morning to defrost in the fridge, then bake as normal according to the recipe instructions.
To Freeze Leftovers (Cooked):
If you have cooked leftovers, you can also freeze them. Ensure the goujons are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, flash freeze them on a tray first before bagging.
Defrosting and Reheating:
Always fully defrost frozen cooked goujons in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven (around 180°C/350°F) until thoroughly heated through and crispy again. Covering them loosely with foil during the initial reheating can help prevent them from drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to regain crispiness. Ensure they are piping hot all the way through before serving.
What to Serve with Your Crispy Chicken Goujons…
These versatile chicken goujons pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes and dips. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Classic Dips: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, ranch dressing, or a homemade garlic mayo are all excellent choices for dipping.
- Crispy Sides: Serve with our homemade Potato Wedges (oven or air fryer method for extra crispiness!), crispy French fries, or a side of sweet potato fries.
- Fresh Salads: A vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette, a creamy Classic Coleslaw, or a refreshing Cucumber Salad with Yoghurt Dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Hearty Options: For a more substantial meal, pair them with baked beans (try our Slow Cooker Baked Beans for a delicious twist), corn on the cob, or a fluffy jacket potato.
- Get Creative: Use your goujons in wraps with fresh salad and a drizzle of sauce, chop them over a Caesar salad, or serve them as part of a fun “build your own” dinner station.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Goujons
Absolutely, you can pan-fry or deep-fry these chicken goujons. Frying will generally result in an even crispier coating and a faster cooking time, but it does require more oil and typically increases the calorie count. If pan-frying, cook in hot oil in batches until golden brown and cooked through. If deep-frying, maintain an oil temperature of around 175°C (350°F) and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before serving.
Yes, chicken goujons cook wonderfully in an air fryer, often yielding an exceptionally crispy result with very little oil. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place the coated goujons in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken, so check them after 10-12 minutes.
‘Chicken goujons’ is the term commonly used in the UK to describe breaded strips of chicken. In the US and other countries, they are more frequently referred to as ‘chicken tenders’ or ‘chicken fingers’. While the terms are often used interchangeably, ‘chicken tenders’ can specifically refer to the pectoralis minor muscle, a smaller, more tender strip of meat adjacent to the chicken breast. This recipe uses full chicken breasts, which are then cut into strips, offering more control over portion size and often more readily available.
Yes, these chicken goujons are absolutely delicious served cold! Once fully cooked and cooled, they make an excellent addition to lunch boxes, picnics, or as a convenient snack. They are also perfect when served as party finger food alongside various dipping sauces. Just ensure they have been stored correctly in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
This recipe uses 600g (approximately 4 medium) chicken breasts, which typically yields enough goujons to serve 4 people as a main course. The exact number of individual goujons will depend on how thinly or thickly you slice your chicken breasts. Always use your judgment regarding quantities, especially when cooking for varying appetites or younger children, and ensure all chicken pieces are cooked thoroughly before serving.
For maximum crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs. You can also lightly spray the breaded goujons with cooking oil before baking. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so hot air can circulate freely around each piece. Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps achieve an even crisp on both sides.
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Chicken Goujons (Easy Baked Recipe)
By Sarah Rossi
These delicious baked Chicken Goujons are full of flavour with succulent, tender meat and a golden, crispy coating. Perfect for a quick family dinner or versatile meal prep.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.3 lb) Chicken breast, skinless and boneless (or 4 chicken breasts)
- 50 g (2 oz) Plain flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 Eggs, medium free-range, beaten
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for best crispiness)
- Oil for greasing (e.g., olive oil or cooking spray)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃/400°F fan, 220℃/425°F or Gas Mark 7.
- Slice the chicken breasts into finger-shaped strips, approximately 2 – 3cm wide.
- In a small bowl, mix the plain flour with the paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour (shaking off excess), then into the beaten egg, and finally generously coat it in the breadcrumbs. (Pro Tip: For less mess, place chicken in a large lidded container, add flour and shake, then add egg and shake, then add breadcrumbs and shake until evenly coated.)
- Arrange the coated chicken strips onto a lightly greased baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake for 20 – 23 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and crispy. (If you’ve cut your chicken pieces very small, check for doneness at 15 minutes). The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dips and sides.
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Notes
- Breadcrumbs: Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) are highly recommended for an extra crunchy and crisp texture. Regular fine breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs made from stale bread will also work beautifully.
- Air Fryer Method: These chicken goujons cook exceptionally well in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange goujons in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. If your air fryer has a paddle, remove it to prevent the coating from being knocked off.
- Pan-Frying Option: While oven baking is preferred for a healthier, less messy approach, you can also shallow fry these goujons. Heat about 1-2 cm of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry in batches for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Approximate values, calculated automatically)
- Calories: 348 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Cholesterol: 178 mg
- Sodium: 389 mg
- Potassium: 659 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 410 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 69 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Nutritional values are per portion unless otherwise stated.
Additional Info
- Course: Main Course, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Family Food, European
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