Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready for crackly, golden chicken that’s outrageously easy and absolutely irresistible. These Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders deliver maximum crunch and tender juiciness with just a handful of kitchen staples—and you won’t believe how quickly they disappear from the dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You really only need a few pantry staples to nail these crunchy, golden Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders. Each ingredient plays a key role—simple, but don’t underestimate what they can do together for taste and mouthwatering texture!

• Chicken Breast Tenders: Pre-cut tenders save time and ensure even cooking, but you can also slice regular breasts or thighs into strips.
• Eggs: The eggs act as the “glue” that helps the flour cling, creating a double-dipped coating that turns gorgeously crisp.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for that crunchy shell—classic, simple, and perfect for achieving that signature oven-fried crunch.
• Canola Oil: Used on the pan—not for deep frying. Just a little creates the crispy texture without extra grease.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that make sure every bite is full of savory flavor.

Variations

One of the joys of these Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders is just how easy they are to riff on. Feel free to tweak the recipe for your family’s dietary needs, or get creative with taste and texture by swapping or adding ingredients!

• Spice It Up: Stir paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne into the flour for a bolder, zesty crust.
• Cheesy Crunch: Mix grated parmesan or pecorino into the flour for extra flavor and a cheesier finish.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend—the results are still perfectly crispy.
• Make It Paleo: Use almond or cassava flour and skip the traditional flour for grain-free, paleo-friendly tenders.
• Change Up the Protein: Try boneless thighs for juicier meat, or turkey tenders for something a little leaner.

How to Make Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by setting your oven to a blazing hot 425°F. While it preheats, drizzle the canola oil onto a rimmed baking sheet, making sure to spread it around so the very center has a generous, even coating. This step is crucial—the hot oil is what delivers that signature crackly bottom crust, all while keeping things mess-free with no deep fryer required.

Step 2: Season Your Chicken

Take your chicken tenders and season them all over with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—use your hands or a spoon to get those seasonings into every nook and cranny, ensuring big flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Double Coat the Tenders

In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with a pinch of extra salt and pepper. Put the flour in another shallow bowl. Now, dunk each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge it in flour—then repeat: back to the egg, back to the flour. This double-dip is your secret weapon for deliciously thick, shattering crisp breading.

Step 4: Arrange and Oil Up

Lay each coated chicken tender onto the oiled pan, gently pressing so the underside gets coated in oil. Then flip it over so the top gets glossy, too. This ensures an even, golden finish without the need for extra sprays or drizzling.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake the chicken tenders for 10 minutes, then carefully flip—be gentle so you keep all that crispy coating intact. Bake for another 10 minutes, until each tender is deeply golden and the crust is audibly crunchy. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of salt and pepper while they’re hot for a burst of flavor!

How to Serve Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

These tenders are fabulous straight from the oven, but a classic sprinkle of flaky salt and chopped fresh parsley really makes them pop. For extra zing, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair with sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders also love company from classic mashed potatoes—or turn it into a fun finger-food feast with carrot and celery sticks and your favorite dip on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the tenders on a rustic board surrounded by mini bowls of dipping sauces for a party-perfect platter, or serve in cones made from parchment for a fun twist at a family movie night. For little ones, try threading tenders onto small skewers for chicken “pops”—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), cool the chicken tenders completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for next-day lunches or snacking.

Freezing

These oven fried chicken tenders freeze wonderfully! Lay cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Pop a few out whenever a craving strikes!

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until the coating is hot and crispy again. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the breading stays much crunchier in the oven or even an air fryer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, family-friendly dinner that sparks pure joy, give these Three-Ingredient Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders a try. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—easy, adaptable, and so satisfying, you’ll want them on repeat. Happy crunching!

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