Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and (let’s be real) irresistibly crunchy, nothing beats Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. They’re everything you love about classic fried chicken, minus the mess and extra oil. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, these tenders are the ultimate weeknight hero, party favorite, or picky-eater pleaser. This recipe delivers juicy chicken in a golden, impossibly crisp coating — all with a quick bake in the oven instead of a dip in the fryer.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create restaurant-worthy Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders at home, you’ll need just a handful of staple ingredients. Each component is chosen to help the chicken turn out tender on the inside and deliciously crunchy on the outside. Don’t swap or skip: every item here works hard to deliver flavor, crispiness, and color!

• Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, these cook quickly and stay juicy—look for fresh, evenly sized strips or slice boneless chicken breasts into strips yourself.
• All-purpose flour: This light dusting helps the breadcrumb coating stick and creates a crisp barrier around the chicken.
• Eggs: Whisked eggs lock moisture into the chicken and help create that classic, craggy crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and crunchier than standard ones, giving your tenders their signature crispy texture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a depth of savory, nutty flavor and helps the tenders brown beautifully.
• Garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper: This trio of seasonings packs every bite with bold, well-balanced flavor.
• Salt: Just the right touch brings all the flavors together and makes the chicken irresistible.
• Olive oil (for drizzling or spraying): Ensures the coating turns perfectly golden and crunchy in the oven.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, then set a wire rack on top if you have one—this promotes airflow and guarantees maximum crispiness. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s good and hot when the tenders are ready to bake. Gather three shallow bowls for your dredging station: one for flour, one for whisked eggs, and one for the seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Working one piece at a time, dip each tender first into the flour (shaking off excess), then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture—press gently to ensure the coating sticks well all over. This triple-layer method is the secret to Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders that stay crunchy and flavorful with every bite.

Step 3: Arrange and Oil for Oven Magic

Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking rack or sheet, leaving a little space between each one for air circulation. Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil—don’t skip this step! It encourages the breadcrumbs to turn golden and super crisp in the oven, mimicking a fried finish with zero fuss.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping each tender halfway through to ensure even browning. They’re done when the coating is golden and crunchy, and the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving—this keeps the juices locked inside.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a fresh note that brightens up the plate. For extra zing, try a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving—its acidity cuts through the richness and makes these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders even more crave-worthy. A dusting of paprika or a dash of flaky salt adds eye-catching color and a final flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with classic sides like roasted potato wedges or crisp coleslaw for an all-American feel. If you’re craving something lighter, a fresh garden salad or sliced veggies with ranch dip provides the perfect balance. For a cozy, kid-friendly meal, you can’t go wrong with sweet potato fries or macaroni and cheese alongside your tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders onto a platter with assorted dipping sauces for a game-day appetizer everyone will love. Stuff them into soft wraps with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce for quick handheld sandwiches. Or try slicing them over a big Caesar salad for a heartier, protein-packed twist on the classic. However you serve them, these tenders bring smiles to every table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tenders separate from sauces or garnishes so they stay as crisp as possible. If you’re prepping for a party, you can even bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and helps preserve that signature crunch. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months, making homemade chicken tenders just minutes away any time you need them.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover or frozen Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in a 400°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until heated through and crunchy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as that tends to soften the coating. A quick trip in the air fryer is also fantastic for reviving their golden exterior!

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The technique stays the same, so you can still achieve that crispy, golden coating everyone loves.

What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are seriously versatile—classic honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, spicy mayo, or even buffalo sauce are all delicious pairings. Try a few different dips to suit everyone’s tastes and see which becomes your new favorite.

My coating isn’t sticking. What am I doing wrong?

If your breadcrumbs aren’t adhering well, make sure you pat the chicken dry and follow the flour-egg-breadcrumb sequence. Pressing the coating onto the chicken firmly helps too, and using enough egg ensures everything binds together beautifully.

Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized strips. They’ll bake just as well as standard tenders and come out juicy and delicious. Just make sure all pieces are about the same thickness for even cooking.

Do I need a wire rack to bake these?

While a wire rack helps air circulate for optimal crispiness, you can bake them directly on a lined baking sheet—just flip the tenders carefully halfway through and use a little extra oil to help the bottoms brown nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, and I hope this simple, satisfying recipe finds a permanent place in your dinner lineup. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something special on a busy night, these tenders deliver every time. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at just how delicious (and easy) crispy comfort food can be!

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