Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because it takes the best part of a classic comfort food and makes it healthier—without sacrificing any of that incredible crunch. When I first tried baking instead of frying, I was skeptical, but these tenders came out golden, crispy, and juicy—every bit as good as the fried version, but way easier to make and clean up after.

You’ll find that this recipe works perfectly for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and just a hint of Parmesan gives them a beautiful texture and flavor, plus the baking method means you don’t have to stand over hot oil. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe come together in a way that’s approachable and pantry-friendly, but the flavor really pops. I always keep panko breadcrumbs on hand because they’re the secret to that crunchy outer layer, while the Parmesan adds just the right savory touch.

• Chicken breasts or chicken tenders: Tender white meat strips work best for even baking and quick cook times.
• Eggs: They help the breadcrumbs stick and create that beautiful coating.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, so don’t skip them if you want ultimate crunch.
• Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for adding a hit of umami and richness.
• Garlic powder: Gives a warm, savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Paprika: Adds mild heat and beautiful color.
• Onion powder: Boosts the savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
• Olive oil spray: A light mist helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up while baking.

Variations

I love how versatile this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is — you can switch up the seasonings or coatings to tailor it to your mood or dietary needs. Experimenting with small tweaks keeps it exciting and fresh every time I make it.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix when I want a little heat, and it never disappoints.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed nuts like almonds for an allergy-friendly option that keeps the crunch.
• Herb Infusion: Finely chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary in the breading add a bright, fresh note that’s wonderful for spring and summer.
• Cheese Swap: Swap Parmesan for pecorino or a bit of smoked cheese to change the flavor profile up.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re using chicken breasts, I recommend cutting them into evenly sized strips around 1 inch wide—this helps them cook through at the same rate. Chicken tenders come ready to go, which is always a nice shortcut. Make sure your chicken pieces are patted dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better!

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Create two bowls: one for your beaten eggs and another for mixing the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and all your seasonings. I like to mix the dry ingredients really well so each tender gets that full flavor. This step feels basic but trust me, prepping this way makes the breading process smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat The Chicken

Season your chicken lightly with salt and pepper before dipping it first in the egg. Let the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to get even coverage. For extra crunch, I discovered a double-coating trick where you dip each tender into the egg and breadcrumbs a second time. Worth the little extra effort if you love crispy chicken as much as I do!

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, set it on top of the sheet to elevate the tenders so hot air circulates underneath. This helped me get that perfectly crispy texture without flipping constantly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders spaced out on your prepared surface and give them a light spray of olive oil. It’s this little trick that really sets your baked tenders apart with a beautiful golden finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Don’t forget to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked perfectly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your chicken tenders rest for a few minutes so juices can redistribute and they stay nice and juicy inside. Serve up with your favorite dips — I’m partial to honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch for variety. I promise, these are so addictive that you might have to hide some for leftovers!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished tenders—just a little bit brightens the plate and adds a fresh flavor contrast to the crispy coating. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of Parmesan right after baking for a rich, cheesy finish. It’s a simple touch but makes the dish feel a little elevated.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these chicken tenders are crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans. For something more classic, creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese pair wonderfully to keep things comforting and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game days, I’ve served these tenders on large platters with individual dipping bowls scattered around for easy sharing. Another fun idea is to stack them in mini sandwiches or sliders with a slaw topping and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. It turns ordinary chicken tenders into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone raves about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture and keep the tenders crispier longer. Just gently reheat when ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing these chicken tenders after baking. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead snack or quick meal option.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming them in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to bring back that original crispiness. Microwaves can make them soggy, so avoid that if you can. When I’m short on time, a quick toast in an air fryer also works wonders for reviving the crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those gems that makes cooking fun and stress-free. It’s a go-to for me when I want something delicious yet simple, and my family can’t get enough of it. I really encourage you to give it a try—you might be surprised how easy it is to get crispy, juicy tenders without frying, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight meals too. Happy baking!

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