Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate homemade Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, your search ends here. These tenders pack everything we crave in this classic dish: juicy, tender chicken, a perfectly golden, crunchy coating, and a flavor that practically leaps off the plate. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter choice for everything from family dinners to lunchbox heroics. Whether you’re cooking for adults or picky eaters, this recipe delivers big-time satisfaction without the mess or guilt, and all in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each component plays a special part — from the panko that brings the crunch, to the seasonings that wake up your tastebuds. Here’s what you need, and why it matters:

• Chicken breasts or tenders: The main event! Choose chicken breasts (cut into strips) or classic chicken tenders for the juiciest bite.
• Eggs: These act as the glue, helping all those flavorful breadcrumbs stick and stay put during baking.
• Panko or regular breadcrumbs: Panko gives you extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs also work if that’s what you have on hand.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a richness and salty bite that really amps up the flavor (highly recommended!).
• Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with a savory, irresistible aroma.
• Paprika: Provides a warm, subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend, making the tenders deeply flavorful.
• Salt: Essential for brightening and balancing all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat, just enough to keep things interesting.
• Olive oil spray: A light mist helps the coating turn perfectly crisp and golden in the oven.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by prepping the star of the show. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into strips about one inch wide so they bake up evenly and quickly. Already have chicken tenders? Great — there’s no need to cut them. Giving the chicken the right shape sets you up for that classic chicken tender experience.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Time to set up your breading assembly line! In one bowl, beat the eggs until they’re smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, mix your panko or breadcrumbs with the Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Having both stations ready makes the coating process quick and mess-free.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Even before breading, sprinkle your chicken strips with a little salt and pepper. This quick step is a flavor booster — seasoning the meat itself ensures every bite tastes great, not just the outside.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Next, transfer the coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere all over. If you’re going for The Ultimate Crunch, double-dip: back into the eggs, then the breadcrumbs again. It’s worth the extra minute!

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup a breeze. If you own a wire rack, place it atop the baking sheet — this lets hot air circulate under the tenders as they bake, making them extra crispy all over.

Step 6: Arrange Chicken and Bake

Lay the breaded chicken out on your prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between each piece. Give them a light spritz of olive oil spray; this step is your ticket to a golden, crunchy crust without frying. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. They’re ready when perfectly crisp and the internal temperature hits 165°F — juicy and safe!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When the aroma has you circling the kitchen, it’s time to dig in! Let the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders rest for a couple minutes (if you can wait). Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives looks gorgeous against the golden crust — plus, it adds a pop of freshness. If you like a zesty kick, a quick squeeze of lemon over the tenders just before serving brightens up every bite. Don’t forget a little extra grated Parmesan on top for good measure!

Side Dishes

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are happy alongside almost anything. Try pairing them with homemade sweet potato fries, classic coleslaw, or a cool green salad for balance. Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even mac and cheese can turn this dish into a crowd-pleasing feast — the possibilities are endless.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Tuck Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders into wraps with crunchy veggies and your favorite sauce, or slice them over a fresh salad for a protein boost. For parties, sandwich them in slider buns with pickles and a dollop of sauce for instant hit appetizers. Kids especially love making DIY tender “bites” with fun dips and sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor for 2–3 days — perfect for snacking, meal prep, or a next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze these tenders after baking for later convenience. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to freezer bags or containers, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. This is a lifesaver on busy nights!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your chicken tenders in the oven (or toaster oven) at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. This helps restore that crunch you love without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the breading won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for the panko and make sure your seasonings are certified gluten-free. The result is just as tasty and crunchy as the original.

What sauces go best with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

You can’t go wrong with classics like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Try sriracha mayo if you want a spicy twist, or buffalo sauce if you love heat!

Why use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs have larger flakes and a lighter texture, creating a crispier coating that’s perfect for baked tenders. If you only have traditional breadcrumbs, they’ll still work, but the crunch will be slightly softer.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Definitely! Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer and cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They get super crispy in the air fryer.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Be sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each piece and let any excess egg drip off before coating. Double dipping (egg then breading, repeated) helps, as does letting the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders to your table — they’re crunchy, satisfying, and guaranteed to spark smiles. Whether you serve them for a cozy dinner, pack them up for lunches, or enjoy them as a fun snack, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite. Roll up your sleeves and dig in — happy cooking!

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