Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy, golden-brown treat without the mess of frying. These tenders have a crispy coating that stays crunchy after baking, while the chicken inside is juicy and tender. It’s a simple dish that feels like a special snack or an easy dinner everyone loves.
I love making these chicken tenders because they’re so easy to customize. You can season the coating just how you like it, adding your favorite herbs or spices. Plus, baking them instead of frying means less oil and a lot less clean-up, which makes me feel good about serving them to my family any night of the week.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad and plenty of dipping sauces, like honey mustard or classic ranch. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, and they always disappear fast when I bring them to the table. These crispy baked tenders have become one of my go-to comfort foods that bring everyone together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken tenders: Using actual chicken tenders makes the dish quick and tender. You can also cut chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenders on hand. Just try to keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the extra crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too but won’t be quite as crunchy. You can also try crushed cornflakes or crushed nuts for a different texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the coating. If you’re dairy-free or don’t have Parmesan, nutritional yeast is a good alternative to keep some of the cheesy taste.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are simple but add great flavor. Feel free to swap or add spices like chili powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne if you like a little heat.
Eggs & olive oil: They help the coating stick and brown nicely. You can use melted butter instead of oil for a richer flavor. If you need an egg-free option, try a mix of water and flour or a non-dairy milk thickened with cornstarch.
How Do You Make Baked Chicken Tenders Crispy Like Fried?
The key to crispy baked chicken tenders is the coating and baking method:
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Their coarse texture crisps up better than regular breadcrumbs.
- Add Parmesan: It helps create a golden crust and adds flavor.
- Mix breadcrumbs with spices: Season the coating well before dipping chicken.
- Oil or butter in the egg wash: Adding fat helps the coating brown better in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give tenders space to bake evenly and get crispy all around.
- Flip halfway through: This helps both sides get nice and crunchy.
- Use a high oven temperature (400°F/200°C): It’s hot enough to crisp the coating without drying the chicken.
Following these steps will give you baked chicken tenders with a satisfying crunch that’s close to fried but healthier and easier to make at home.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like using a rimmed one to catch drips and keep the kitchen clean.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – helps the tenders crisp up and prevents sticking without extra oil.
- Shallow bowls – perfect for dipping the chicken in egg wash and coating with breadcrumbs.
- Tongs – make it easy to flip tenders without messing up the crispy coating.
- Wire rack (optional) – placing tenders on a rack lets hot air circulate for extra crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey tenders to try a leaner white meat but keep the same crispy texture.
- Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that pairs well with ranch dipping sauce.
- Mix in Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the breadcrumb coating for a fresh herb flavor twist.
- Use panko mixed with finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and a nutty taste.
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dipping & Baking:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to rest the tenders after baking before serving. Overall, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Egg Wash and Coating:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil (or melted butter). In another shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press it fully into the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
4. Bake the Tenders:
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a bit. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating turns golden and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders in This Recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and keeps the tenders crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help maintain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep the crispy texture without gluten.
What Can I Serve with Baked Chicken Tenders?
They’re delicious alongside sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple coleslaw. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch!
