Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner with these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! This recipe transforms humble chicken strips into a golden, crunchy delight without ever frying, thanks to a clever combination of seasonings, panko breadcrumbs, and a quick bake at high heat. You’ll love how the tenders emerge irresistibly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful inside. Whether you’re whipping up a kid-friendly meal, prepping finger food for a party, or simply craving a cozy comfort dish, these tenders are sure to become a repeat request around your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each component is chosen as much for flavor as for the magic it works on texture and color, ensuring a gorgeous crunch and deep, savory taste with minimal fuss.

• Chicken breasts or chicken tenders: The heart of the dish! Use pre-cut tenders for easy prep, or slice chicken breasts into strips for even cooking.
• Large eggs: Beaten eggs are the key to getting that breading to cling for maximum crunch.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add unbeatable lightness and crispness; swap for regular breadcrumbs in a pinch, but the panko is worth it.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds an irresistible savory note and helps create a deeply golden, flavorful crust.
• Garlic powder: Essential for a subtle aromatic kick that complements the chicken without overpowering it.
• Paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of color to the breadcrumb coating.
• Onion powder: Boosts flavor and gives every bite a savory depth.
• Salt: Brings the whole seasoning blend together and highlights all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and aromatic bite.
• Olive oil spray: A light mist ensures super crispy chicken tenders without the need for deep frying.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re starting with whole chicken breasts, slice them into uniform strips, about one inch wide, so they bake evenly and become perfectly tender. If you’re using ready-cut chicken tenders, you can jump right into the fun—no prep required!

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Get your assembly line ready: In one shallow bowl, beat your eggs until thoroughly combined. In a second bowl, mix your panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan (if using), plus all the seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This breadcrumb bowl is where all the flavor magic begins.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken strips out and give them a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step makes all the difference—it ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Now the fun begins! Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Next, coat it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to get the crumbs to stick. For the most outrageously crunchy baked tenders, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or pop down a silicone baking mat for effortless cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet—this step is optional but helps the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders get perfectly golden and crunchy all around by allowing air circulation.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Lay out the breaded tenders on your prepared baking sheet (or rack), leaving a little space between each piece for even crisping. Give them a light spray of olive oil—this helps them reach that mouthwatering, fried-like finish. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be deeply golden and delightfully crisp when done. Double-check that the chicken hits an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are finished baking, let them rest for a couple of minutes—this helps keep the coating extra crunchy. Plate them up and serve right away with your favorite dipping sauces!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, try adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the hot tenders. A dash of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven adds both crunch and shine. For a little zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, or even scatter thinly sliced green onions—they bring freshness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders love classic sides. Think a heap of golden roasted potato wedges, a vibrant garden salad, or buttery corn on the cob. For a twist, pair with creamy coleslaw or sweet potato fries. Serving with a trio of dipping sauces—like honey mustard, smoky BBQ, or classic ranch—will turn your meal into a fun, dippable feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these tenders into a standout party appetizer by skewering them on mini sticks and serving with a dipping platter. Or, slice them up and toss into a crispy chicken salad with crunchy lettuce and your favorite toppings. For a family movie night, serve in paper cones alongside fries, or place them in warm tortillas with slaw for impromptu chicken tender tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them in a single layer, or place parchment paper between layers to keep the coating from turning soggy.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Arrange cooked and cooled tenders on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for quick lunches or after-school snacks.

Reheating

To bring those Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders back to their crunchy best, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5–7 minutes—no need to thaw first. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the coating.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as some gluten-free varieties brown a little faster.

What dipping sauces go best with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

Classic choices like honey mustard, ranch, and BBQ are always a hit. For something different, try spicy buffalo sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or a tangy sriracha mayo.

Why aren’t my chicken tenders as crispy as I’d like?

A wire rack on your baking sheet really helps with airflow and extra crispness. Also, don’t skip the olive oil spray—it’s key for that crispy finish. Overcrowding the pan can also make them steam instead of bake, so leave room between each piece.

Can I prep these ahead and bake later?

Yes—you can bread the chicken tenders and arrange them on your baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Wait to add the olive oil spray just before they go into the oven.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese. You’ll still end up with deliciously crisp and flavorful baked chicken tenders.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders—they’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner, packing leftovers for lunch, or dishing them out at your next get-together, they’ll always bring smiles. Give them a try and see just how quickly this recipe becomes a household favorite!

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