If you are craving a crispy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner option, this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute game changer. It shows how simple ingredients and thoughtful techniques can come together to create chicken tenders that are golden, crunchy on the outside, and juicy inside without the mess of frying. Whether you’re serving it up as a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe guarantees a perfect balance of seasoning, texture, and warmth that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to give you that irresistible golden crunch and depth of flavor. Each element plays a key role in making this dish stand out while keeping the process incredibly easy and accessible.
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs: Their airy, flaky texture ensures extra crispiness with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, mild herbal note that brightens the coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the underlying flavors throughout the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right touch of warmth and subtle heat.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smokiness that elevates the flavor complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a comforting, aromatic kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders: The star ingredient, naturally tender and quick-cooking.
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning: To season the chicken itself before breading for maximum flavor inside and out.
- 2 eggs: Creates the perfect sticky coating to hold the panko crumbs firmly.
- Cooking spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy finish without frying.
- Dipping sauce of choice: Completes the dish with a personal flavor boost, from ranch to honey mustard or BBQ.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stir gently, then return for another 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden shade. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn. Toasted panko brings nuttiness and crunch, making your tenders extra special.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Once toasted, transfer the panko into a small bowl and mix in dried parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. These layers of flavor embedded in the coating guarantee every bite will be exciting. Now, bump your oven temperature up to 425°F and set an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs until smoothly combined. This egg wash acts like glue to hold that flavorful breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each chicken tender. It’s a simple step but crucial to building that wonderful crust.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and bake crispier. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural chicken flavor before the breading stage.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each tender into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then press into the seasoned panko mixture, coating completely. Arrange the coated tenders on the wire rack atop your baking sheet for even heat circulation and maximum crispiness. Repeat until all tenders are covered in that delicious crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray to encourage that irresistible golden crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tenders are crisp, golden brown, and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). The result is satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, tender inside chicken tenders cooked perfectly without frying.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove your Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe from the oven and allow them to cool just slightly before serving warm. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a hands-on, comforting meal that’s sure to delight every member of your family.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the tenders brighten the dish visually and add a subtle fresh flavor contrast. A light dusting of grated Parmesan makes an elegant touch, enhancing the savory profile with an extra layer of umami deliciousness.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like crispy oven-baked fries, a crunchy green salad, or creamy coleslaw balance the crispy chicken texture beautifully. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a nourishing, colorful note to round out the meal without overpowering the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe into sliders with mini buns and a smear of aioli, or skewer them with fresh veggies for a fun party appetizer. Serving them over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or wrapped in warm tortillas for chicken tacos adds exciting twists that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for 3 to 4 days. To retain some of that crisp texture, avoid covering tightly while still hot to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers with that freshly baked crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can turn the coating soggy and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips, and follow the same breading and baking instructions. They might take a few minutes longer to cook through depending on thickness.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Yes! Swap out panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to maintain that crunchy texture while keeping it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since this recipe doesn’t use any dairy ingredients, it is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your dipping sauce choices to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
How can I make these chicken tenders extra crispy?
To maximize crispiness, make sure to toast the panko properly, use cooking spray generously before baking, and allow space between tenders on the wire rack so air circulates well during cooking.
What dipping sauces go best with baked chicken tenders?
Classic choices like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo pair beautifully. Feel free to get creative with garlic aioli, blue cheese dip, or even a tangy tzatziki.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It delivers that crave-worthy crispy crust and juicy chicken bite after bite while being incredibly easy to pull together with simple pantry staples. Whether for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, these tenders bring joy to the table every time. I hope you give this recipe a try and share the deliciousness with your loved ones — they’re guaranteed to love it as much as I do!
Print
Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This baked chicken tenders recipe offers a crispy and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, using toasted panko breadcrumbs seasoned with herbs and spices. Baked to golden perfection in the oven, these tenders are a healthier alternative to fried versions, delivering juicy chicken inside with a crunchy crust. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal or snack.
Ingredients
Coating
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray
To Serve
- Dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Toast Panko: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 minutes, stir, then bake for another 2-3 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Mix the Breadcrumb Seasoning: Remove the toasted panko from the oven and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in dried parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until evenly combined. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Place an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Lightly beat the eggs in a separate medium bowl until combined.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then press each into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated. Place the coated tenders on the parchment-lined baking sheet with the wire rack. Repeat for all tenders.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the tenders cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- To ensure crispy tenders, pat the chicken dry before coating.
- Keep an eye on the panko while toasting to avoid burning.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet so heat circulates evenly around the tenders for the crispiest results.
- Cooking spray adds extra crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust spices in the breadcrumb mix based on your taste preferences.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
