Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
If there’s one weeknight favorite I can always count on to bring everyone to the dinner table with smiles, it’s this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders with a crunchy, aromatic coating that tastes indulgent but is secretly so much lighter than the fried version. Every bite is savory, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, making these tenders a huge hit with kids and grownups alike. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever you crave comfort food with a wholesome twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredient list. Each component is there for a reason, building layers of flavor and ensuring your tenders come out with irresistible crunch and delicious seasoning every time.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: The star of the show—tender, juicy pieces make these so easy to cook and enjoy.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These add the perfect light, crispy coating that bakes up beautifully golden in the oven.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory flavor and helps the crust brown extra-nicely.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way in giving these tenders a warm, inviting aroma.
- Paprika: Lends gorgeous color and subtle smoky depth to each bite.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons the chicken just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the spices.
- Large eggs: The base for the dredge, which helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Milk: Loosens the egg mixture so it coats each tender evenly and lightly.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: A light mist ensures the tenders crisp up in the oven without excess oil.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat gives your chicken tenders that coveted crispiness without drying them out. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. Lining not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. The hot, ready oven is key to a crunchy coating!
Step 2: Mix Up the Dredging Stations
Set up two shallow bowls. In one, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth—this is your “glue” for the breadcrumb crust. In the other, stir together the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination infuses every bite with flavor and crunch. Getting your stations ready now makes the breading process quick and mess-free.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then place it into the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture, turning to cover completely and pressing gently so the coating sticks. Take your time with this step—an even coating means every tender will cook up with a perfect golden crust.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray
Lay the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. For the ultimate crisp texture, make sure they’re not crowded or overlapping. Give the tops a light mist of cooking spray or olive oil spray; this helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake, Flip, and Finish
Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. About halfway through, flip the tenders so both sides get evenly golden and delicious. You’ll know they’re done when the coating is crisp and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C)—and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing! Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving, so those juices stay locked in.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a scattering of extra grated Parmesan right before serving adds a pop of color and even more flavor to this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. If you want to dial up the fun, set out a little bowl of your favorite dipping sauces—think honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Side Dishes
These tenders truly go with just about anything, but some classic sides take the meal to another level. Pair them with crispy baked fries, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for balance. For a picnic-style feast, add a scoop of coleslaw or potato salad on the side—absolutely delightful!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family movie nights, try serving the Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe as fun finger food on a platter with an array of sauces for dunking. Or slice them up and toss on top of a big salad, stuff into wraps, or layer into sliders with lettuce and tomato for a playful, crowd-pleasing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra tenders (which is rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them perfect for easy lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, lay cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and are easy to reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy goodness, reheat tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you can—the oven keeps the crust crunchy and delicious, just like when they were first baked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips that are roughly the size of tenderloins. The texture and taste will still be spot-on using the same Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe.
Can I make this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten free?
Yes! Swap out the panko for your favorite gluten free breadcrumbs and make sure all your seasonings are gluten free. The preparation stays exactly the same, so everyone can enjoy these crispy, flavorful tenders.
Is there a way to make these tenders even crispier?
For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden before breading the chicken. This step gives the finished Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe a serious crisp factor without extra oil.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you need to skip the Parmesan, try finely shredded cheddar or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist. Both add great flavor to the breadcrumb coating and keep the spirit of this recipe intact.
Can I air fry this recipe?
Definitely! Arrange your breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out perfectly crisp and juicy, making the Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe even faster.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about bringing big flavor to your table with minimal effort—and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly main, a fun party snack, or just some good old-fashioned comfort food, you truly can’t go wrong with these golden, crunchy, oven-baked tenders. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite for every occasion!
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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 fried chicken. Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, they are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Additional:
- cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare coatings: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue.
- For extra flavor, add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
