If you’re searching for a weeknight wonder or a satisfying party snack, look no further than this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. These irresistible tenders deliver everything you crave: juicy chicken, a crunchy golden coating, and deliciously savory seasoning, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re whipping them up for your kids or treating yourself after a long day, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this homemade favorite is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on staple pantry items and a few fresh ingredients to create magic. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing either crunch, flavor, or moisture to ensure every bite is packed with mouthwatering goodness.
- Chicken tenders: Tender, lean, and quick to cook, these are the star of the show; use boneless, skinless for best results.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For that extra-crispy crunch, panko is unbeatable—feel free to substitute with regular or seasoned breadcrumbs if needed.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of salty richness and helps the crust brown to perfection.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the chicken.
- Onion powder: Gives a subtly sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with savory spices.
- Paprika: Lends gentle warmth and a hint of color for an eye-catching finish.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and balances the seasonings.
- Eggs: Serve as the “glue” to help the coating stick and create a tender, moist bite inside.
- Milk: Loosens the egg mixture for an even, light coating on the tenders.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: A quick mist ensures a perfectly golden, crispy crust in the oven.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—this high heat ensures a crunchy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking or, if you prefer, lightly grease the sheet with cooking spray. For the crispiest results, you can also place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the sheet to let hot air circulate completely around the tenders.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until completely blended. This velvety mixture helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken tenders while locking in moisture during baking.
Step 3: Create the Seasoned Breading
Grab another shallow bowl and stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The aroma alone will have you excited to bake! The cheese and spices infuse every bite with bold and balanced flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks and forms a thick, even crust. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy here—it’s part of the fun!
Step 5: Arrange and Spray
Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This gives them room to brown properly. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray; this is the secret to a crispy, golden crust without frying.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. When the crust is gloriously golden and the chicken is cooked through (juices should run clear), remove from the oven. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving—this keeps them juicy and easier to handle.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives will brighten up the plate and add a pop of color and freshness. For a little kick, try a dusting of smoked paprika or freshly grated Parmesan right after baking. Lemon wedges on the side offer a zesty, tangy touch that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Side Dishes
This Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is unbelievably versatile, pairing flawlessly with everything from classic crispy fries and tangy coleslaw to a vibrant green salad or sweet potato wedges. For a wholesome twist, serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli—kids and adults alike will eat them up!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your tenders into a meal-worthy salad topper, or slice them for filling wraps and sandwiches. For fun, arrange them on a platter with a trio of dips (think honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce). Tiny, bite-sized chicken slider buns work perfectly for parties or game day spreads, making your Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating will soften slightly, but leftovers are still absolutely delicious when reheated correctly!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled baked tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once individually frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. This makes speedy meals or after-school snacks a breeze.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat tenders in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t yield that coveted crunch. If frozen, do not thaw—just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to heat through.
FAQs
How do I know when the Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is fully cooked?
The tenders should be golden brown and their juices should run clear. For extra confidence, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips or “tenders” of even thickness. They’ll bake up perfectly using the same method.
What dipping sauces pair best with this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The options are endless, but you can’t go wrong with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy buffalo dip. Try more than one and let family or guests pick their favorite!
How do I get the coating extra crispy without frying?
Spraying the tenders generously with olive oil spray and using a wire rack on your baking sheet both help maximize crispiness. High oven heat and plenty of space between tenders are key, too!
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative, and double-check all your seasonings for hidden gluten. Gluten-free panko is widely available and works beautifully in this dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a healthier spin on a comfort food classic, this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a joy to prepare, pleases a crowd, and proves that “oven-baked” can mean just as crispy and satisfying as fried. Give it a try—I promise you’ll keep coming back for more and might even skip the takeout next time!
Print
Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips. Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, they make for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Additional:
- olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare egg wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Make breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake: Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spray the tops with olive oil, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs can be used for added flavor.
- Serve with favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
