Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack or dinner that’s crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive, I’ve got you covered with my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out—extra crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and packed with just the right blend of spices. Whether you’re feeding a family or want a quick bite, these tenders will become your new go-to. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail these every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I keep the ingredient list pretty straightforward because these flavors work harmoniously together. When shopping, look for fresh chicken tenders or chicken breasts to cut yourself for the best texture.

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast: Using tenders is convenient, but slicing fresh chicken breast into strips works just as well and keeps the texture perfect.
• Flour: This forms the first coating layer and helps the egg mixture stick better to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: My secret weapon—light, airy, and extra crunchy; try to find Japanese-style Panko for the best results.
• Butter: Melting butter to toast your Panko breadcrumbs adds a rich flavor and golden color you won’t get otherwise.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan mixes into the breadcrumbs for a delicious salty kick and extra depth.
• Egg: Acts as a glue between the flour and breadcrumb layers ensuring a nice crust.
• Milk: Thins the egg mixture to help coat evenly without clumping.
• Spices (Paprika, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): These add layers of flavor and a subtle heat that makes every bite interesting.
• Oil Spray: A light spritz helps the tenders crisp up nicely in the oven without adding extra fat from frying.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you and your family like. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

• Spice It Up: I once added smoked paprika and a bit more cayenne, and my husband couldn’t get enough of the smoky heat.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and Panko for gluten-free alternatives; just toast your breadcrumbs in butter for that same crispiness.
• Herb Boost: Mix some dried oregano or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh herb flavor twist.
• Air Fryer Friendly: If you want, you can cook these in an air fryer for an even speedier dinner option with similar crisp results.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs to Golden Perfection

This step changed the game for me! Melt about a heaped tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat, then stir in your Panko breadcrumbs. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until they’re a beautiful light golden color. This not only adds rich flavor but also makes the tenders unbelievably crunchy once baked. Don’t walk away from the pan here—stir often to prevent burning!

Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Spice Mix

Preheat your oven to a hot 200°C (about 390°F) so it’s ready to give your tenders that crisp crust right away. While the oven heats, whisk together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is the magic behind the flavor punch.

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Line up three bowls like you’re in a chicken tender assembly line. First bowl: flour mixed with a spoonful of the spice blend. Second bowl: beaten egg with milk (this helps the breadcrumbs stick better). Third bowl: toasted Panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan and the remaining spices. This layering ensures every tender is perfectly coated and flavorful.

Step 4: Coat Your Chicken Tenders Thoroughly

One tender at a time, dredge each strip first in the seasoned flour—you want a light, even coat. Then dip into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off so you don’t end up with clumps. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture making sure the entire surface is covered. I like to gently press the crumbs on to lock them in. This triple coat method is what gives you that incredible crisp.

Step 5: Bake and Crisp

Place your tenders spaced apart on a lined baking tray—if you have an oven-safe wire rack, use it to allow heat to circulate around the chicken and keep the bottom crispy. Spray the tenders lightly with oil spray; this little trick helps them brown beautifully without extra grease. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, turning down the heat if you see any edges starting to burn. You’re looking for a golden color and juicy interior.

Step 6: Let Them Rest and Serve

Once baked, place the tenders on a cooling rack for a few minutes so steam escapes. This keeps that crust crisp and not soggy—a little patience here goes a long way! Serve with your favorite dipping sauces looking like finger-food heroes.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of honey mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the tenders just before serving adds a little zing that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides? Creamy coleslaw, crispy oven-baked fries, or a fresh green salad all complement the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders perfectly. Sometimes, I toss together a quick garlic roasted veggie medley for a balanced meal that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the tenders on a platter lined with parchment paper and surround them with small bowls of different sauces—think BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo. Kids love the “dip and dunk” style, and it makes the dish look extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help maintain their crispiness, I avoid covering them too tightly with plastic wrap initially and use parchment paper layers between pieces.

Freezing

If I make a big batch, I freeze extra tenders on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to freezer bags. Frozen tenders store well up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just bake them straight from frozen for a few extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheating in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes revives crispiness better than microwaving, which I avoid to keep that crunch intact. If you’re in a rush, a quick pan crisp-up on medium heat works wonders too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe really became a staple in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes: simple, flavorful, and perfectly crispy without the mess of frying. I remember the first time I tried baking them with toasted buttered Panko—and honestly, it felt like I discovered a secret family recipe. I can’t wait for you to try this fun and easy recipe in your own home; it’s one that always impresses guests and delights kids alike. So preheat that oven, get your dipping sauces ready, and enjoy the magic of homemade crispy chicken tenders like a pro!

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