Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a satisfying crunch and zero guilt, look no further than these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. Each bite is golden and flavorful, the juicy chicken wrapped in a shatteringly crisp coating that’s baked — not fried — for a dinner that delights without compromise. Whether you’re serving picky kids, game-day fans, or just want a cozy weeknight meal, this is the recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. The best part? You likely have everything you need on hand, and the results are far better than any drive-thru offering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a starring role in making the final dish memorable. From the protein-packed chicken to the punchy Parmesan and colorful spices, every component matters for flavor, texture, and alluring color.
- Chicken tenders: Using boneless, skinless chicken tenders ensures you get a consistent, quick-cooking cut that stays juicy and tender.
- All-purpose flour: A light dusting helps the egg stick, which is key to getting that irresistible crispy crust to cling.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs act as a glue to anchor the breadcrumb coating onto the chicken.
- Milk: Just a splash added to the eggs makes the wash silky and helps the coating lock on during baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and lighter, making your coating extra airy and crunchy.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty bite and helps the outside brown beautifully.
- Garlic powder: For a warm, savory aroma that elevates every bite without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Subtle but essential for rounding out the seasoning blend and giving depth.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and a touch of color, making these tenders even more tempting.
- Salt: Essential for boosting flavor in both the breading and the chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a welcome bit of heat to perk up the palate.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: A light mist or drizzle helps achieve perfect crispness on the outside as they bake.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature does wonders for ensuring your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders get gorgeously golden without frying. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze — and give it a light coat of cooking spray. This minimal bit of fat helps drive that signature crunch!
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Grab three shallow bowls to set up a little assembly line. To one bowl, add your flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and frothy. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Having this setup ready makes coating each chicken tender quick and mess-free.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Working with one chicken tender at a time, first dredge it lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This first layer helps the egg mixture stick. Next, give it a quick dip in the egg-milk bath, ensuring every nook gets coated. Finally, nestle the tender in the panko mixture, pressing gently so those crunchy bits really adhere. Arrange each fully coated tender on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Spray and Bake
Once all your chicken tenders are lined up and ready, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a touch of olive oil over each one. This step is the key to achieving that deep-fried color and crunch in the oven. Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway so they crisp evenly. They’re ready when the coating is deep golden and a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders rest for a minute on the baking sheet, then transfer to a platter. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate crispy-meets-juicy bite. Don’t be surprised if these disappear before you even sit down!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A good garnish can turn these already-perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders into a real showstopper. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of green and freshness. Zesty lemon wedges on the side add brightness, while a dusting of extra Parmesan makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders are comfort food perfection on their own, but they’re also a blank canvas for pairing. Serve them alongside classic baked fries or a bold coleslaw for crunch-on-crunch goodness. For a lighter touch, opt for roasted veggies or a fresh garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are fantastic tucked into bento boxes for lunch, or sliced and arranged atop a rainbow salad for a hearty meal. For parties, serve them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces — think honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or ranch — to mix and match. Or, pile them into wraps with crisp lettuce and tomatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel beneath the tenders to help absorb any excess moisture, which keeps the crust crispier for longer.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully! Once baked and completely cooled, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a zipper bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Freezing them in a single layer first means they won’t stick together later.
Reheating
To restore that glorious crunch, reheat Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes. There’s no need to thaw frozen tenders first — just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders. The cooking time may vary slightly, so always check for that internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I make these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. There are great gluten-free breadcrumbs available in most supermarkets that deliver a similar crunch.
What’s the secret to extra crispy baked chicken tenders?
For the ultimate crunch, try quickly toasting the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden before coating the chicken. It gives them a head start on crispiness in the oven!
Which dipping sauces pair best with these tenders?
The sky’s the limit, but classic ranch, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard are always crowd-pleasers. For something with a kick, try Sriracha mayo or a smoky chipotle sauce.
Can I prepare the tenders ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! You can bread the tenders a few hours ahead and refrigerate them on a lined sheet pan. When you’re ready, just bake as directed — they may need an extra minute in the oven straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about biting into Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders that are homemade, juicy, and full of flavor. Give this recipe a try and delight your friends and family — it just might become your new go-to comfort meal. Here’s to making weeknights a little crunchier and a lot more delicious!
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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, with a perfectly crunchy coating and juicy tender meat inside.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Baking:
- cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly coating it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Bowls: Set up three shallow bowls with flour, whisked eggs and milk, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast panko breadcrumbs before coating.
- Gluten-free alternatives can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
