If you’re craving crispy chicken tenders but want to avoid the mess and extra calories of frying, baked chicken tenders are the perfect solution! These tenders come out golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside — and they’re surprisingly easy to make right in your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Fresh or thawed chicken breasts cut into strips, or pre-cut chicken tenders for convenience.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crunchy coating, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work too.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder add classic flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices!
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for richness and a little cayenne pepper for heat.
- Olive Oil Spray: To help crisp up the coating in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
If using chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch wide strips. If you have tenders, you can skip this step. - Prepare the Breading:
- In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken:
Lightly season your chicken strips with salt and pepper. - Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each strip into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping for a double coat.
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. For best results, place a wire rack on the sheet to allow air circulation and crisping. - Arrange & Bake:
- Place the breaded chicken strips on the rack or sheet with some space in between.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Check Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. - Serve:
Let the tenders rest a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Tenders
- Use a Wire Rack: This lets hot air circulate all around the tenders for even crisping.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the tenders enough space on the baking sheet for the heat to reach every side.
- Double Coat: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a thicker, crunchier crust.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Tenders
Pair your crispy tenders with sides like:
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Classic dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or ketchup
They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch meal prep, or casual family meals!
FAQ
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes! Freeze the breaded, uncooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack and double coat the tenders with egg and breadcrumbs for the crunchiest coating.
Can I bake these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store cooked tenders in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Cooking Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
Enjoy this healthier take on a family favorite — easy, crispy, and absolutely delicious baked chicken tenders that everyone will love!