Oven-baked chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious alternative to fried versions. These crispy tenders are easy to prepare and a perfect appetizer. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces.
For more easy chicken recipes, try my honey garlic chicken skewers or these Thai chicken skewers.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Crispy Texture: Using panko breadcrumbs ensures that the chicken tenders are crispy and golden brown without the need for frying.
- Flavorful Coating: The combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Easy Preparation: Simple breading stations make this recipe straightforward and quick to prepare.
- Healthy Alternative: Baking instead of frying reduces the overall fat content, making these tenders a healthier option.
- Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are perfect for kids, both in taste and ease of eating.
🧾 Ingredient notes
- Chicken breast: The main protein source, tender and juicy when baked.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- Milk: Thins the eggs for better coating.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Provides the crispy outer layer.
- Garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild spiciness.
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and flavor.
- Cooking spray: Helps to crisp the breading without additional oil.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders recipe step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Cut chicken breast into 1.5-inch strips.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
📖 Substitutions and variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbed: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary with the breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Double Dipping: For extra crispy tenders, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Buttermilk Marinade: Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before breading. This makes the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Resting Time: Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better.
- Cooling Rack: Bake the chicken on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet for even air circulation and crispier results.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But note that some of the breadcrumb coating may fall off.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Regular breadcrumbs work well, but you can also use crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers for different textures.
Yes, you can cook the breaded chicken tenders in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before dredging, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken, and let the breaded tenders rest for a few minutes before baking.
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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, panko or regular
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Breading Stations:
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. Ranch: A classic creamy ranch dressing. BBQ Sauce: A smoky barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
Notes
- Ensure Crispiness: Spraying the tenders with cooking spray before baking helps them achieve a crispy exterior.
- Even Cooking: Turn the tenders halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
Keith Gooderham says
totally brilliant! thoroughly enjoyed this and as you suggested it works really well with sweet potato fries.
Kankana says
These look stunning gorgeous and I love that the crumbs stayed with the chicken on biting. Because most often they separate. My kid will love these 🙂
Britt @ A Lil' Sweet, Spice, & Advice says
These tenders look like the crunchiest oven fried chicken I've ever seen! I HAVE to try your recipe soon. I just know it's going to taste amazing!
deepika says
This fried chicken does look delicious,
Madi says
Everything about these chicken tenders sounds phenomenal! That dip sounds so up my alley!
Nellie says
These will be going on my list of regular meals when I meal plan - thank you for the recipe! YUM!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Yummmmm! These look delicious Debs. Love that dip too!
The Novice says
These sound delicious. I've made something very similar before, but didn't add the last step of frying them in oil. I'll definitely try it next time!