Description
There’s something so comforting about a plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders. Whether they remind you of childhood dinners, fun family gatherings, or your favorite restaurant meal, chicken tenders are a classic that never gets old. The best part? You don’t have to fry them to get that irresistible crunch! This recipe for baked chicken tenders gives you all the crispy goodness without the extra oil, making them a healthier yet equally delicious option.
Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a fun snack, these baked chicken tenders are seasoned to perfection, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked until they’re golden brown. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Flour Bowl: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Egg Bowl: Whisk the eggs until fully combined.
- Breadcrumb Bowl: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix well to ensure an even coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken tender, coat it in the flour (shaking off the excess), dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce!
Notes
- For Extra Crunch – If you want your tenders to be even crispier, lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking. This helps them achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
- Even Cooking – Make sure the chicken tenders are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to uneven baking and soggy spots.
- Breading Tip – Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well and creates a crisp coating.
- Kid-Friendly Version – If making these for kids, you can skip the paprika and add a little parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a milder flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option – You can bread the tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking.
- Best Way to Reheat – To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes instead of microwaving.