Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crunchy Golden Chicken Tenders: A Kid-Approved Recipe

Chicken tenders seasoned with crispy oven baked chicken tenders recipe magic always steal the show at dinner tables.

These golden-brown delights promise a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites.

Every bite delivers a perfect crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The secret lies in a simple blend of spices and a clever baking technique.

No greasy mess means less cleanup and more enjoyment.

You can easily whip up these tender, irresistible morsels in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Why Oven Baked Tenders Are So Crispy

Why Oven Baked Tenders Are So Crispy
  • Swap spices in the breading to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized meal that everyone will love.
  • Prepare a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its crispy texture and simple ingredients.
  • Enjoy a lighter version of fried chicken by baking instead of deep-frying, cutting down on excess oil without sacrificing crunch.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tenders

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender strips of chicken perfect for a crispy, golden-brown coating.
Breading Components:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base that helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs, Panko: Provides a crunchy exterior and adds texture to the chicken tenders.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Milk: Serve as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken tenders.
Cooking Additives:
  • Cooking Oil Spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior and prevents the tenders from drying out.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Baking Chicken Tenders Made Simple

Baking Chicken Tenders Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep those tenders from sticking.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes for your chicken transformation:
  • First dish: Flour for the initial coating
  • Second dish: Whisk eggs and milk together for the wet dip
  • Third dish: Combine breadcrumbs with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Pro move: If using panko, pulse it briefly in a food processor to create a finer texture that hugs the chicken perfectly.

Step 3: Coat Chicken Tenders

Take each tender on a flavor journey:
  • First, roll in flour and shake off excess
  • Next, dive into the egg mixture for a complete coating
  • Finally, press into seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring an even, crispy layer

Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray to boost crispiness.

Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.

They’re ready when the exterior turns golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Transfer those gorgeous tenders to a plate and dive in with your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy the crunch!

Smart Tips for Crunchy Chicken Tenders

Smart Tips for Crunchy Chicken Tenders
  • Use a light touch when coating chicken tenders to prevent thick, clumpy breading. Pat chicken dry before starting to help breadcrumbs stick better and create extra crispiness.
  • Experiment with different spice combinations in the breadcrumb mixture like adding dried herbs, cayenne pepper, or grated parmesan cheese for more depth of flavor.
  • Place chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring the bottom stays crisp and doesn't become wet or mushy during baking.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry. Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to retain moisture.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent chicken from sticking to the pan during cooking.

Storing Crispy Chicken Tenders

  • Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each tender separately in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain crispiness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place cooled tenders on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a wire rack or baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp.
  • Warm tenders at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Spray lightly with oil to revive the crispy exterior. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Best Dips for Chicken Tenders

  • Savor Perfectly Paired Flavors
  • Zesty Ranch Dip Delight: Whip up a homemade ranch dressing with buttermilk, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic to complement the crispy chicken's spicy breading. The creamy, tangy sauce cuts through the crunchy coating, creating a flavor explosion that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Wine and Dine Companion: Grab a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These refreshing wines balance the chicken's rich, golden crust with their bright, citrusy notes, making each bite feel like a gourmet experience.
  • Crunchy Sidekick Salad: Toss together a fresh cucumber and arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. The salad's crisp, peppery greens and bright acidity provide a perfect counterpoint to the hearty chicken tenders, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Cool Beverage Match: Crack open an ice-cold craft beer with citrus undertones, like a wheat ale or blonde lager. The beer's light, effervescent character will cut through the chicken's richness while enhancing its golden, crispy exterior.

Chicken Tender Flavor Variants

  • Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice cereal for coating. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Herb Crusted Tenders: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Add extra herbs like rosemary and thyme for additional flavor. Great for keto diet followers.
  • Spicy Caribbean Chicken Tenders: Mix cayenne pepper and jerk seasoning into breadcrumb coating. Add a hint of lime zest for bright Caribbean flair. Offers a zesty kick for heat lovers.
  • Parmesan Crusted Version: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese into breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy exterior. Provides rich, savory profile for cheese enthusiasts.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure my chicken tenders are crispy?

The key is using panko breadcrumbs, spraying with cooking oil before baking, and baking at a high temperature of 400°F. Giving panko a quick pulse in a food processor helps it stick better to the chicken.

  • Can I use different seasonings in the breading?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like dried thyme, oregano, or even add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

  • What if I don't have a food processor to crush panko?

You can crush panko breadcrumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Simply place the breadcrumbs in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush until they’re fine.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the tender.

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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy oven baked chicken tenders emerge as a golden-brown delight, promising healthier comfort without sacrificing flavor. Crunch meets lean protein in this simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating Components:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (100 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F. Arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating to prevent adherence.
  2. Create three separate preparation zones using shallow containers. Populate the first with flour, the second with whisked eggs and milk, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs incorporating garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Consider pulsing panko crumbs in a food processor for enhanced coating adhesion.
  3. Transform each chicken tender through a methodical coating process. First, dust thoroughly with flour, removing excess. Submerge completely in egg mixture, then meticulously press into seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Position each coated tender systematically on prepared baking surface.
  4. Enhance exterior crispness by applying a delicate cooking spray across tender surfaces. Roast for 18-20 minutes, implementing a midpoint rotation. Confirm doneness through golden exterior coloration and internal temperature reaching 165°F when measured at the thickest section.
  5. Immediately transfer perfectly crisp tenders to serving plate. Accompany with preferred dipping condiments for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize breadcrumb blend by mixing panko with crushed cornflakes or pretzels for extra crunch and unique texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising crispy exterior.
  • Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to ensure maximum coating adherence and prevent soggy results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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