Name: Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; cooking spray

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If you’re searching for a family-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy, these Baked Chicken Tenders should be at the top of your list. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, they’re a lighter take on the classic fried version—without sacrificing a bit of crunch or juiciness. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner, gathering around for game day snacks, or looking for a wholesome way to please picky eaters, Baked Chicken Tenders deliver every time with their shatteringly crisp coating and tender, juicy interior.

Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a starring role in making these tenders irresistible. The mix of panko, Parmesan, and a cozy blend of spices makes every bite pop with flavor and texture.

Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips): Choose fresh, boneless chicken for the juiciest results; cutting breasts into uniform strips keeps everything cooking evenly.
Panko breadcrumbs: Lighter and crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs, panko ensures your tenders come out perfectly crisp.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory note that pairs perfectly with the seasoned coating, plus it helps with killer browning.
Garlic powder: Brings depth and a subtle zing—much easier than mincing fresh garlic, with zero prep work.
Paprika: Adds a touch of warm color and mild smokiness; try smoked paprika for even more flavor.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors and make the chicken truly pop.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle bit of heat and rounds out the spice blend.
Eggs: Acts as the glue that gets all that crispy coating to adhere snugly to the chicken strips.
Cooking spray: Spritzing over the tenders helps them bake up crunchy and golden, mimicking fried results.

How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature guarantees your Baked Chicken Tenders will get that signature golden, crunchy crust. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and lightly coat it with cooking spray—this is essential so nothing sticks and you get great browning on the bottom.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Grab two shallow bowls. Crack the eggs into one and whisk until well blended. In the second bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything’s combined evenly so every tender gets a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken strip and dip it into the egg first, shaking off the excess. Then, dredge it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick. Place each breaded piece on your prepared baking sheet and repeat until all are coated—this is when they start to look irresistible even before baking!

Step 4: Spray and Bake

Once all your Baked Chicken Tenders are lined up, give them a light spray of cooking oil across the tops. This helps the crust get extra crispy and golden as they bake. Pop the tray into the oven for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders once halfway through, until they’re cooked through and deeply golden on all sides.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the chicken tenders rest for a minute or two—they’ll smell amazing—and then get ready to serve while they’re still piping hot and crunchy. Pass around your favorite dipping sauces for that finishing touch.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley over the hot tenders just before serving. A quick lemon wedge on the side adds glorious brightness that cuts through the richness—total game-changer!

Side Dishes

Baked Chicken Tenders are fantastically versatile, so you can pair them with almost anything. Classic fries, a crisp garden salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery corn on the cob are all winning choices. For a comfort-food feast, serve with homemade macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Baked Chicken Tenders into sliders with mini buns and crunchy lettuce, or wrap them in tortillas with slaw for fun chicken wraps. For a party spread, arrange them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces (think honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo) for everyone to mix and match.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Baked Chicken Tenders store beautifully! Let them cool to room temperature, then tuck them into an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to three days—they’re great for quick lunches or easy snacks the next day.

Freezing

If you want to have homemade chicken tenders on hand any time, freeze them after baking and cooling. Lay the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep their texture and flavor for up to two months.

Reheating

For the best crispy results, reheat Baked Chicken Tenders in a 400°F oven or an air fryer for a handful of minutes until warmed through. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but the coating won’t be nearly as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs give these Baked Chicken Tenders their signature crunch. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, try toasting them in a dry skillet first to boost their texture.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and fully opaque on the inside, with an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open—the juices should run clear.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The tenders will still be flavorful and crisp, though you’ll miss that little extra savory boost Parmesan provides.

What sauces go best with Baked Chicken Tenders?

There’s no wrong move here! Classic choices include ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or ketchup. For something a bit different, try buffalo sauce or a tangy yogurt dip.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Baked Chicken Tenders enough—they’re the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try and discover how delightful homemade baked chicken can be. Your taste buds (and everyone at the table) will thank you!

Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. Coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these oven-baked chicken strips are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

Breadcrumb Mixture:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 large eggs
cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake the chicken: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.