Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy, healthier than fried versions, and irresistibly delicious. Golden and crunchy on the outside with tender, juicy chicken inside, these tenders are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even game-day snacks. With a crispy coating made from breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings, they deliver all the satisfaction of fried chicken without the extra oil or mess.

This recipe is versatile, approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, and loved by kids and adults alike. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or a spicy aioli, making them a customizable crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it hits the perfect balance between flavor, crunch, and convenience. The golden, crispy coating gives that satisfying “fried” texture, while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender—something that’s often tricky to achieve without deep-frying.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can make it kid-friendly by keeping the seasoning simple, or spice it up for adults with paprika, cayenne, or garlic. The dipping sauce possibilities are endless: honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or even a spicy aioli elevate these tenders to a restaurant-quality level at home.

Finally, it’s a stress-free recipe that works for any occasion—weeknight dinners, meal prep, snacks, or even game-day parties. It’s reliably crispy, easy to make, and loved by everyone at the table, making it a go-to dish in my kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a must-try because they combine all the best qualities of comfort food with healthier, hassle-free cooking. The golden, crunchy exterior delivers that irresistible texture everyone loves, while the tender, juicy chicken inside makes each bite satisfying and flavorful.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can adjust the seasoning to suit any palate, pair it with an array of dipping sauces, or serve it as a main dish, snack, or party appetizer. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for a family-friendly dinner, or craving a homemade version of a classic fried favorite, these tenders consistently deliver on taste, texture, and satisfaction. They’re proof that healthier cooking can still be fun, crispy, and utterly delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4 (about 4–5 tenders per person)
• Calories (per serving): ~300–350 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crisp)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray or 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Optional for Serving:

• Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or spicy aioli

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried oregano.
3. Prepare Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. Coat Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Dip each tender first into the egg wash, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil for extra crispness.
6. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with dipping sauces of your choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings in a shallow dish.
3. Whisk eggs and milk in a separate bowl.
4. Season chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Dip each tender in egg wash, then breadcrumb mixture, coating fully.
6. Place tenders on baking sheet; spray or brush with olive oil.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
8. Rest 2–3 minutes, then serve with sauces.

How to Serve

• Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
• Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries.
• Use in wraps, sandwiches, or as protein topping for salads.

Recipe Tips

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Lightly spray or brush tenders with olive oil to help them crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each tender space to crisp evenly.
• Pound chicken strips to uniform thickness for even baking.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne or chili powder to breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Herb: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.
• Garlic Lovers: Add 1 tsp garlic powder or roasted garlic to breadcrumb mix.
• Oven-Fried Style: Add a light dusting of cornstarch before egg wash for extra crispness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerate: Store cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze (Uncooked): Bread tenders and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding ~5–7 minutes to cook time.
• Freeze (Cooked): Freeze baked tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed and crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Shallow bowls for breading and egg wash
• Meat thermometer (optional, for perfect doneness)

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthy, versatile, and irresistibly crunchy option for any meal. With a golden breadcrumb and Parmesan coating and tender juicy meat inside, they satisfy both kids and adults. Easy to prepare, bake, and customize with different seasonings and dipping sauces, they are destined to become a household favorite. Whether served for dinner, lunch, or game-day snacks, these tenders deliver on flavor, texture, and convenience every time.