Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier, yet just as delicious, alternative to the traditional fried chicken tenders. These juicy chicken strips are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, often seasoned with herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and salt, then baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The result is a satisfying, crunchy texture without the need for frying.
I first made Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders when I wanted a lighter version of fried chicken tenders, and they turned out amazing! The golden, crunchy coating combined with the tender chicken made for a fantastic meal. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even as an appetizer for parties!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Game day
- Snack time
- Kid-friendly meals
- Chicken lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders will become your go-to recipe:
- Crispy and Crunchy: The coating delivers that satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying.
- Healthy Alternative: These tenders are baked, not fried, making them a lower-fat option.
- Quick and Easy: They come together in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Juicy and Tender Chicken: The chicken stays moist inside while the coating crisps up beautifully.
- Kid-Friendly: A favorite among kids (and adults!), they’re a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy chicken.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings.
- Customizable Flavors: You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, from mild to spicy.
- Great for Dipping: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These tenders can be made in advance and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
- Perfectly Seasoned: The blend of spices enhances the flavor of the chicken, creating a delicious crust.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for brushing)
For the Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
Ingredient Highlights
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunch and light texture that’s perfect for baking.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Add savory depth of flavor to the coating.
- Paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness and color to the tenders.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Optionally, brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake the Chicken Tenders:
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for added flavor.
- With a Side of Fries: Pair with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic meal.
- In a Wrap: Add the tenders to a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick wrap.
- As a Salad Topping: Slice the tenders and add them to a fresh salad for extra protein.
- With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- With Mac and Cheese: A great pairing with a creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese.
- As a Sandwich: Place the tenders on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a tasty chicken sandwich.
- For Kids’ Lunches: Pack the tenders in a lunchbox with some fruit and crackers for a kid-friendly lunch.
- With Coleslaw: Serve with a side of coleslaw for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.
- As an Appetizer: These tenders make a perfect finger food for parties or gatherings.
Additional Tips
- Use a Wire Rack – For extra crispiness, place the chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring an even, crispy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Ensure there’s enough space between each tender. Overcrowding will result in steamed tenders instead of crispy ones.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch – For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken tenders in the egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs, and repeat the process for a thicker crust.
- Season the Breadcrumbs – Add extra flavor by seasoning the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite spices.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs – For a light, crunchy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko breadcrumbs will crisp up more in the oven.
- Chill the Tenders Before Baking – After breading the tenders, chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off while baking.
- Spray with Cooking Oil – Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil before baking. This helps the breading become golden and crispy without deep frying.
- Bake at High Heat – Bake your chicken tenders at 400-425°F (200-220°C) for that perfect crispy texture without drying them out.
- Check Doneness with a Meat Thermometer – Ensure your tenders are fully cooked by checking the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Serve Immediately for Best Crispiness – Chicken tenders are crispiest when fresh out of the oven. Serve them right away to enjoy the perfect crunch!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of these tenders.
- Spicy Buffalo Tenders: Toss the cooked tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy variation.
- Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for nuggets instead of strips.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh twist.
- Parmesan Garlic Tenders: Add extra garlic and Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a garlicky, cheesy flavor.
- Honey Mustard Coated: Toss the tenders in honey mustard before coating with breadcrumbs for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Shallow Dishes: To dredge the chicken in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the tenders from sticking to the baking sheet.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. - Can I freeze the tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the coated tenders before baking for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can pan-fry the tenders in a small amount of oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. - What can I substitute for eggs?
Use a mixture of 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch as an egg substitute. - How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Can I make these tenders spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for extra heat. - Can I bake these on a rack?
Yes, placing the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet will help them cook evenly and crisp up on all sides. - Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko provides extra crunch. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make these tenders dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on the classic fried chicken tenders, offering all the crunch and flavor without the extra oil. The chicken strips are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture—often with panko for extra crispiness—and then baked to golden perfection. The result is juicy, tender chicken inside with a satisfying, crispy exterior.
To elevate the flavor, you can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a little Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix. Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch, and pair them with sides like crispy fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
I can’t wait to see how your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!