If you’re craving a snack or a meal that hits all the right notes—golden, crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand, and bakes up beautifully in your oven. No deep-frying mess, just pure crispy satisfaction with every bite, making it a perfect family favorite or an easy game-day snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients sets you up for amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role: the panko breadcrumbs bring that unbeatable crunch, Parmesan adds a savory depth, and the spices elevate the chicken to something extraordinary.
- Chicken tenders or chicken breast strips: The star of the show, tender and quick-cooking for perfect bites every time.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These create the crispy, golden crust that defines the dish’s irresistible texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky note that enhances the overall taste with just a hint of heat.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for that subtle, savory garlic flavor throughout every bite.
- Onion powder: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Simply essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg coating stick to the chicken, contributing to that perfect crust.
- Eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue between the chicken and the flavorful breadcrumb mixture.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the tenders wonderfully crispy and golden in the oven without extra grease.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spray of olive oil. This helps keep the tenders from sticking and gives the crust a little boost in crispiness as they bake.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Create three separate dishes: place the flour in one, the beaten eggs in another, and finally mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third. This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat your chicken strips dry with paper towels to ensure the coating clings well. Then, dredge each piece first in flour, dip into the egg, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-layer coating is key to locking in moisture and creating that crave-worthy crispy exterior.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil
Place your breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. A little olive oil spray on top before baking encourages a golden finish and helps the crust get nice and crispy in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked through without losing any juiciness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy delights right away with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or a smoky BBQ sauce. The contrast of creamy or tangy dips with the crispy chicken tenders makes every bite a total winner.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the plate and add freshness. These little touches not only look beautiful but also add subtle layers of flavor that elevate this humble dish.
Side Dishes
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a natural pairing with classic sides like crispy fries or a colorful garden salad. For something heartier, try creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. The versatility makes it a perfect recipe for lunch, dinner, or even a party platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Turn these tenders into sliders with mini buns and your favorite fixings, or chop them up over a crunchy salad for added protein and crunch. They also make fantastic “finger food” for crowd-pleasing appetizer spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust stays relatively crisp, and the flavors actually develop a bit more after resting.
Freezing
If you want to keep these tenders longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents sticking and keeps them delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes instead of the microwave. This method revives the crispy coating without drying out the tender chicken inside.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders. The cooking time stays the same, and you’ll get the same delicious crispy results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko is preferred for its light, airy texture that crisps up better. If all you have are plain breadcrumbs, consider mixing them with crushed cornflakes or crackers for extra crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, like almond flour for dredging and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating.
Can I marinate the chicken before breading?
Sure! A quick dip in buttermilk or a seasoned yogurt marinade for 30 minutes can add extra tenderness and flavor, but make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
What dipping sauces work best with these tenders?
Classic choices like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce are always winners. You can also try spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or a tangy buffalo sauce for some excitement.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into crispy, golden chicken tenders that you made at home with simple ingredients and no fuss. This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is perfect whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends. So go on, give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make!
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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried chicken strips. They are coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection for a crunchy texture without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
Breading Mix
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with crisping.
- Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each strip first into flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the breaded chicken tenders spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to ensure they crisp up nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce for a tasty meal or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, allow the breaded chicken to rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute chicken breast cut into strips if tenders are not available.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture according to your taste preference.
- To keep tenders warm while baking in batches, place cooked ones on a wire rack in a warm oven at 200°F (93°C).
- Leftover tenders can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
