Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect go-to meal when you want something crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These tenders get a golden, crispy coating without any frying, making them a little lighter but still totally satisfying. The breading is packed with flavor, and the chicken stays tender and moist.
I love making these because they’re so easy to prep, and they always turn out great no matter how many times I try. A little tip I’ve found helpful is to spray the tenders with a bit of cooking spray before baking – it helps them get extra crispy! Plus, they cook quickly, so you’re not waiting around too long for dinner.
These chicken tenders are a hit with everyone, kids and adults alike. I usually serve them with some dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch, and a side of veggies or fries. They’re perfect for a casual meal, game night, or even packing up for a lunchbox. Honestly, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken tenders: These are naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking. If you don’t find tenders, use chicken breasts sliced into strips. Just keep an eye on cooking time so they stay juicy.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work but the coating may be denser. For gluten-free, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances crispiness. You can swap this with Pecorino Romano or a hard vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Smoked paprika, garlic & onion powder: These spices give warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust according to your taste or add cayenne for a bit of heat.
Eggs and milk: These help the coating stick to the chicken. Dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk works just fine here.
How Do You Get Crispy Coating Without Frying?
Getting that crunchy crust in the oven can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Use panko: Its coarse texture crisps nicely when baked.
- Press coating firmly: When coating tenders, press breadcrumbs gently so they stick well and form a solid crust.
- Cooking spray: Lightly spray tenders before baking. This adds fat, helping the crust brown and crisp up.
- High oven temp: Baking at 425°F ensures the outside crisps quickly before the inside dries.
- Flip halfway: Turn tenders during baking so both sides get crispy and evenly cooked.
- Space them out: Avoid crowding the baking sheet. Air circulation keeps the coating crisp instead of soggy.
With these tricks, your oven baked chicken tenders turn out crunchy and golden without the extra oil from frying!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper or using a non-stick mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shallow bowls – One for the breadcrumb mixture and one for the eggs and milk, so coating the chicken is simple and clean.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F without overcooking.
- Cooking spray – a quick spritz before baking gives the tenders a crispy, golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with cayenne or chili powder in the breadcrumb mix for some heat.
- Use different cheeses like grated cheddar or pepper jack instead of Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Add dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the coating for an herby twist.
- Make them coconut or almond-flavored by adding shredded coconut or crushed nuts to the breading. Great for a tropical or nutty flavor!
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., honey mustard or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, crispy chicken tenders ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep tenders from sticking.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors are even.
3. Make the Egg Wash:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended. This helps the coating stick nicely to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Then, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating clings well.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap so they cook evenly and get crispy.
6. Spray and Bake:
Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray — this step helps to get that golden, crispy finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to crisp both sides. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove chicken tenders from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Add lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and stay crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Just check the other ingredients for gluten if you have dietary restrictions.
Is It Okay to Skip the Parmesan Cheese?
You can, but Parmesan adds great flavor and helps with browning. If you skip it, you might want to add an extra pinch of salt or your favorite seasoning to keep the coating tasty.