Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488036H31M9S
Total time: PT-488036H31M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into strips; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray for coating

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If you’ve ever wished for that perfect crispy crunch in your chicken tenders without the hassle of frying, this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor, yet healthier and so much easier to make than traditional fried tenders. I love pulling this recipe out on busy weeknights when I want comfort food without the heavy cleanup.

What really makes this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe stand out for me is the combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if you choose to include it). This duo creates such a satisfying crunch and umami boost that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy that crispiness guilt-free any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role to create that perfect crispy coating that sticks well, flavors the chicken deeply, and browns beautifully in the oven. When shopping, look for fresh high-quality chicken tenders or chicken breasts that you can slice yourself for the freshest flavor.

Chicken breasts or chicken tenders: Fresh, boneless, and skinless gives you tender strips that cook evenly.
Large eggs: Acts as the glue to help the breadcrumbs and Parmesan stick.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are light and give extra crunchy texture—don’t swap with regular breadcrumbs if you want true crispness.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty punch that amps up the flavor.
Garlic powder: Provides a savory background note that pairs well with chicken.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with a gentle sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
Olive oil spray: Keeps the tenders from drying out and helps crisp up the coating without extra mess.

Variations

I like to keep things flexible depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is a great base that’s easy to switch up with your favorite spices or even dietary swaps!

Spicy kick: I add a teaspoon of cayenne or chili powder for a smoky heat that my family loves.
Gluten-free version: Swap regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
Herb infusion: Toss in dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary with the seasoning mix for an herby twist.
Cheese options: Try swapping Parmesan for sharp Pecorino Romano or adding a bit of shredded mozzarella inside the tenders before coating for gooey magic.
Cooking method: If you’re short on time, you can pan-sear them for a couple of minutes per side before baking to get an extra-touch of golden crust.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Coatings

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step to help the coating stick nicely. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them evenly into strips about the same size to ensure they cook uniformly. Next, beat your eggs in a shallow bowl—this will be your dipping station. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to get a perfectly seasoned coating mix.

Step 2: Dip and Coat Each Tender Thoroughly

Take a chicken strip and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off before rolling it through the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly to get a nice, even layer—this little extra push makes a huge difference in crunch. Place each coated tender on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan; give the tenders a little breathing room for even baking.

Step 3: Spray and Bake to Crispy Perfection

Before popping your tray into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This helps the coating crisp up beautifully without needing to deep fry. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and cooked through—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want extra crispiness, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes after baking works wonders but watch closely to avoid burning.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes, I squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the tenders just before serving for that delightful zesty contrast.

Side Dishes

These crispy chicken tenders go great with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, roasted sweet potato fries, or even a crisp mixed green salad for a lighter touch. On busy nights, I often serve them alongside some steamed veggies or easy mac and cheese for the kids.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I’ve served these tenders on a platter with various dipping sauces—think honey mustard, ranch, sriracha mayo, and even a cool tzatziki. You could also turn them into sliders with mini buns, lettuce, and a dash of sauce for a tasty finger food option everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftover tenders cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay good for about 3-4 days. This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it keeps well and reheats nicely without losing that crispy texture.

Freezing

Freezing these tenders works great if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Just bake them fully, cool, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. When you want to eat them, just reheat directly from frozen using the oven or air fryer for best results.

Reheating

To keep your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe tasting fresh, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 10 minutes or until warmed through. This revives the crispiness better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy. An air fryer works beautifully for reheating too if you have one on hand.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and juicier, which can add extra flavor, but the cooking time might be slightly longer. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness or slice into strips similar in size as chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and maintain that crispy coating.
How do I make sure my chicken tenders are crispy and not soggy?

The key is to use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, lightly spray the tenders with olive oil before baking, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so hot air circulates well. Also, flipping the tenders halfway through baking helps them crisp evenly on both sides.
Is it okay to bake chicken tenders without the Parmesan cheese?

Definitely. Parmesan adds extra flavor and crispiness, but if you’re avoiding dairy or simply don’t have it on hand, the crispy baked chicken tenders will still be delicious with just the seasoned panko coating.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative like gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes. Be sure to double-check the seasoning and Parmesan for any gluten-containing additives if you’re sensitive.
How long do crispy baked chicken tenders take to cook?

These tenders bake quickly—usually about 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but keep an eye on them so the coating doesn’t burn. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to be sure they’re fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

All said and done, this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes that never fails to satisfy my cravings for crispy, flavorful chicken without dragging me into a deep-frying marathon. It’s so straightforward, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser whether I’m making a quick lunch or casual weeknight dinner. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own!