The aroma of garlic, Dijon, and golden breadcrumbs will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia as these Breaded Chicken Skewers bake to crispy perfection. Based on Aunt Tanya’s cherished family recipe, each skewer delivers a savory, juicy bite, with a golden crust that crackles under your fork.
Ideal for busy weeknights, kids’ lunches, or as a show-stopping party appetizer, this dish is loved for its simplicity and bold flavor. No frying required — just bake until golden and serve with your favorite dip or side salad. These skewers strike the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome home cooking.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken tenders
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1 tsp sea salt
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1½ cups plain breadcrumbs
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Olive oil spray
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Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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If chicken tenders are thick, slice them in half lengthwise. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
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In a separate shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs.
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Dip each chicken strip into the mayo mixture, coating fully.
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Press into the breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are covered.
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Thread 2–3 breaded chicken strips onto each soaked skewer, forming a wave-like pattern.
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Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal per skewer | Servings: 6–8 skewers
The Heart Behind Breaded Chicken Skewers
Breaded Chicken Skewers are more than just a simple dinner option — they’re a family memory wrapped in golden, crispy comfort. This particular version, affectionately known as “Aunt Tanya’s Breaded Chicken Skewers,” is a treasured hand-me-down recipe that has stood the test of time. Passed through generations, the recipe blends Eastern European sensibilities with easy modern-day convenience, making it both nostalgic and incredibly practical. It’s the kind of meal that evokes the warm embrace of a grandmother’s kitchen, where care and love were always part of the preparation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its roots: traditional flavors, homemade preparation, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This is exactly what makes it so popular among busy families, beginner cooks, and seasoned hosts looking for a dependable dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Breaded Chicken Skewers offer the kind of flexibility most home cooks crave. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, prepping school lunches, or looking for a dish to impress at a potluck, these skewers always deliver. They’re handheld, mess-free, and can be made ahead and reheated with no sacrifice in quality. Kids love them because they’re crunchy and dippable; adults appreciate the depth of flavor and the lack of grease from traditional frying.
Serve them as a main course with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or salad. Or turn them into appetizers at a gathering with toothpicks and dipping sauces. You can even slide them into a wrap or sandwich for a quick lunch. The versatility of this dish makes it a favorite across ages and mealtime situations.
Why These Skewers Stand Out
What sets these skewers apart from the usual breaded chicken recipes is the clever use of a mayonnaise and Dijon mustard marinade. Instead of traditional egg and flour dredging, this recipe uses the mayo mixture to lock in moisture and add richness. The Dijon brings a subtle tang that elevates the flavor without overpowering it. Garlic — freshly minced — ties everything together with its warm, savory undertones.
Then there’s the breadcrumb coating. While any breadcrumbs can work, using plain ones lets the marinade and seasoning shine without clashing with other pre-added flavors. The breadcrumbs toast beautifully in the oven, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior that mimics deep-fried chicken — without all the oil.
Healthier Than Fried Alternatives
One of the best features of this dish is that it’s baked, not fried. That means fewer calories and less mess in the kitchen. Baking still gives you that satisfying crunch but in a much healthier way. If you’re looking to reduce your intake of fried foods or want to keep things light, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Even better, there’s no standing at the stove, flipping chicken in hot oil or managing splatters. Just pop them in the oven and let the heat do the work while you prep your sides or spend time with family.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
It’s no surprise that these chicken skewers are a hit with kids. They’re fun to eat, easy to hold, and taste like something from their favorite restaurant — only better. Parents appreciate that it’s a recipe without artificial flavors or preservatives and can be served with a variety of healthy sides. You can even involve the little ones in the assembly process. Let them help dip the chicken in the coating or place them on skewers — a fun way to engage them in the kitchen and foster early cooking confidence.
For picky eaters, this is a great bridge between something familiar and something home-cooked. The seasoning is mild enough for most palates but can be easily adjusted for bolder tastes.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect Breaded Chicken Skewers doesn’t require chef-level skills, but there are a few tips that can help:
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Soak your skewers. Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent burning in the oven.
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Use thin chicken strips. Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly. If your tenders are thick, slicing them lengthwise is ideal.
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Don’t overcrowd your tray. Giving each skewer some space ensures they crisp up on all sides instead of steaming.
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Spray with olive oil. A quick spritz before baking helps brown the breadcrumbs and adds a bit of richness.
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Broil at the end. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers go with almost everything. For a casual dinner, pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted veggies. Looking for something light? A garden salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the savory chicken perfectly. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or tzatziki for added flavor and fun.
If you’re hosting a party, turn them into a finger food platter. Serve with small ramekins of different dips and fresh-cut veggies or pita on the side. They’re just as delicious at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style meals.
Storage and Meal Prep
Breaded Chicken Skewers store beautifully. Once cooled, they can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness — avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden texture.
They’re also freezer-friendly. Freeze fully cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until hot and crispy again. This makes them excellent for batch cooking or school lunch prep.
Cultural and Nostalgic Value
There’s something timeless about skewered meat. It appears in nearly every cuisine — from Japanese yakitori to Middle Eastern kebabs. This version carries a distinctly Eastern European vibe, with simple, honest ingredients used in a way that maximizes comfort and satisfaction. Recipes like this remind us that food doesn’t need to be flashy to be memorable. It’s often the most straightforward meals — made with care and shared with loved ones — that linger the longest in our hearts.
Aunt Tanya’s recipe captures that spirit. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a family staple, passed from generation to generation, slightly tweaked along the way but always rooted in warmth and tradition.
Conclusion
Breaded Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser: simple, crunchy, flavorful, and comforting. They bridge the gap between everyday ease and nostalgic cooking, offering a homemade solution that’s healthier than fried alternatives, loved by both kids and adults, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a weekday dinner, a special celebration, or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe proves that classic dishes never go out of style.
Add Aunt Tanya’s Breaded Chicken Skewers to your recipe rotation and watch them become a favorite in your home too — a reminder that the best meals are often the simplest ones, made with love.