KFC Oven Baked "Fried" Chicken Tenders

Crunchy and perfectly seasoned, it really does taste like KFC! It is a mash up of my own recipe, the "11 Secret Herbs and Spices" from the Homemade KFC recipe by Every Nook & Cranny, and the coating recipe from this Best Baked "Fried" Chicken by Carlsbad Cravings.. Marinating makes the chicken extra juicy but if you don't have time to marinate, this is still worth making! (See Note 3) PS I know it looks like a lot of salt but it's not overly salty, it's KFC level salty. Reduce salt and/or celery salt if desired.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp celery salt ((Note 1))
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 2 tbsp paprika ((not smoked, use sweet or plain))
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper or ground pure chili ((optional - for KFC "Zinger" flavour!))
• 1.2 - 1.4 lb / 600 - 700 g chicken tenderloin ((10 - 12 pieces) (Note 2))
• 1 cup buttermilk OR 1/3 cup plain yoghurt + 2/3 cup milk ((Note 3))
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup cornmeal ((Note 4))
• 2 tbsp butter ((unsalted))
• 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• Oil spray

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the Spice Mix in a bowl.

2. 2

   Place 1 tbsp of Spice Mix in a ziplock bag with the chicken and buttermilk. Set aside to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 but ideally overnight.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 400F/200C.

4. 4

   Place the butter and oil on a large rimmed baking tray. Place in the oven for a few minutes until the butter is just melted. Remove and tip the tray to spread the oil and butter all over.

5. 5

   Combine the remaining Spice Mix, flour, panko and cornmeal in a bowl and mix. Place half in a large ziplock bag.

6. 6

   Drain the chicken of excess marinade using a colander.

7. 7

   Transfer half the chicken into the ziplock bag, seal in air so it is puffed like a balloon, then shake to coat the chicken in the seasoning. Press through the bag so the coating is firmly stuck onto the chicken. Place the chicken onto the baking tray.

8. 8

   Place the remaining coating into the ziplock bag and repeat with remaining chicken.

9. 9

   Spray the top with oil and place in the oven. Bake for 12 minutes, then turn, spray and bake for a further 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Don't bake more than 25 minutes, otherwise the chicken will dry out!

10. 10

    Serve with your favourite dipping sauce. I used Honey Mustard Sauce (Note 7).