Baked Chicken Tenders
Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken. They are perfect for kids and adults alike! You can enjoy them as a snack, a main dish, or even in a sandwich. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders (cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
Directions
Prep the Chicken: Start by washing the chicken breasts or tenders. Cut them into strips if you haven’t done so already. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up two bowls. In the first bowl, place the beaten eggs. In the second bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Season the Chicken: Take the chicken strips and dip each one into the bowl of eggs. Make sure to coat them well.
Bread the Chicken: Next, transfer the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to help with browning.
Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.
Bake the Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken tenders for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway for even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are versatile! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard. They make a great addition to salads, wraps, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
How to Store Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing. They will last for about 2 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings for different flavors.
- Make sure to spray the chicken well with olive oil for a crispy texture.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Try using Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper for heat, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh twist!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before breading and baking.What dipping sauces can I use?
Popular choices include ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce.Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders (cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
Instructions
- Start by washing the chicken breasts or tenders. Cut them into strips if you haven’t done so already. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Set up two bowls. In the first bowl, place the beaten eggs. In the second bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Take the chicken strips and dip each one into the bowl of eggs. Make sure to coat them well.
- Transfer the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to help with browning.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken tenders for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and spray the chicken well with olive oil for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, crispy chicken, healthy snacks, gluten-free options