Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something about chicken tenders that instantly takes me back to childhood—those golden, crispy strips that were always a favorite at restaurants, family dinners, and backyard cookouts. But over the years, I’ve learned that homemade chicken tenders can be even better—especially when they’re baked instead of fried.
This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe gives you all the crunch and flavor of the fried version, without the grease or guilt. It’s juicy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for kids, meal prepping, or just craving something satisfying, this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe delivers every time.
And the best part? It’s easy, healthier, and bakes up beautifully in the oven—no messy oil splatters, no deep fryer required. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to frozen chicken strips again.
Do you want more recipes?
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Turkey and Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe serves about 4 people (8–10 tenders depending on size).
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
For the Breading:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water or milk (to loosen the eggs)
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (to help crisp the coating)
Optional for Serving:
- Ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping
- Lemon wedges for a zesty touch
How to Prepare Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy tools to make this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe—just your oven, a baking sheet, and a little patience. Here’s how to get perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting that crunchy exterior without drying out the chicken.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. You can also place a wire rack on top of the sheet—this allows hot air to circulate underneath the tenders for even crispiness.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the coating stick better.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley. Give it a quick toss to ensure even coating.
Step 3: Set Up a Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Flour mixture – add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Egg mixture – whisk together eggs and a splash of milk or water.
- Breadcrumb mixture – combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil (or melted butter). The oil helps the breadcrumbs turn beautifully golden in the oven.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken strip and coat it in flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every side is covered.
Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd—that’s key for even crispiness.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
You’ll know they’re done when the tenders are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra crunch, broil them for 2–3 minutes at the end—but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo all pair perfectly.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is wonderfully versatile—it can be a snack, appetizer, or full meal.
- Classic style: Serve with fries or a simple green salad.
- Healthy twist: Pair with roasted vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Family night: Make a dipping bar with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and sriracha mayo.
- Sandwich-style: Layer tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo.
- Salad topping: Slice them over Caesar or Cobb salad for added crunch.
If you’re hosting guests, this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe makes a fantastic party appetizer too. Just slice them smaller for bite-sized servings.
Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Use panko breadcrumbs. Panko creates the lightest, crispiest coating—much better than regular breadcrumbs alone.
- Add a touch of oil to the breadcrumbs. Mixing in olive oil or butter ensures golden color and crunch.
- Use a wire rack. Elevating the chicken lets heat circulate and prevents soggy bottoms.
- Don’t skip seasoning. The spice blend is what makes these tenders flavorful from the inside out.
- Flip halfway through baking. This ensures even browning on both sides.
- Check doneness with a thermometer. Cook until the chicken hits 165°F for juicy, safe results.
- Reheat properly. To re-crisp leftovers, pop them in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes—skip the microwave if you want to keep that crunch.
Variations to Try
This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is a great base recipe that can be customized in so many fun ways.
1. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
After baking, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
2. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Brush the tenders with honey mustard glaze before baking for a sweet and tangy kick.
3. Parmesan-Crusted Tenders
Add more Parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix for extra cheesy flavor.
4. Coconut Chicken Tenders
Swap half of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut and serve with sweet chili dipping sauce.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour—they work just as well!
6. Air Fryer Version
For an even quicker option, cook the tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They turn out extra crispy with minimal oil.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips—about 1 inch wide—for even cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Place cooked tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer directly from frozen at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
4. What dipping sauces go best?
Some favorites include ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha aioli.
5. Can I use different breadcrumbs?
Yes! You can use Italian-style breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed Ritz crackers for a unique crunch.
6. Why aren’t my tenders crispy enough?
If they’re not crispy, make sure your oven is hot enough and that you didn’t overcrowd the pan. Using a wire rack helps too.
7. Are baked chicken tenders healthier than fried?
Yes—baking uses minimal oil while still giving you that crisp texture, cutting calories and fat significantly.
8. Can I make them dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter. The results will still be crispy and delicious.
9. How do I make them extra juicy?
Marinate your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least an hour before breading. It keeps them tender and flavorful.
10. What sides pair well with this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Try them with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a simple garden salad.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender—that golden crust giving way to juicy, flavorful meat inside. This Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, healthier, and absolutely delicious every single time.
What I love most about this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is its versatility. You can make it as simple or as creative as you want—classic with ketchup, spicy with buffalo sauce, or fancy with Parmesan and herbs. It’s also one of those rare meals that pleases everyone, from kids to adults.
And honestly, once you see how crispy these turn out without frying, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen chicken tenders again. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and come together with just a few pantry staples.
So next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the drive-thru and bake up a batch of this homemade Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe instead. Serve it fresh from the oven, watch everyone’s faces light up, and enjoy that perfect crunch—no fryer needed.