If you’re craving a snack or meal that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, look no further than my Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish combines simplicity and flavor in a way that’s perfect for any night of the week. With a few pantry staples and some straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of juicy, golden chicken tenders that taste like they came from your favorite restaurant—but with none of the guilt or hassle. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for family dinners and casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simplicity, starting with wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a vital role, from the seasoning that brings out bold flavors to the crispy coating that gives each tender its satisfying crunch.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: Fresh and lean, these are the heart of the dish and cook perfectly in the oven.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light base layer helping the egg wash to stick better for an even coating.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue to hold the breadcrumbs tightly onto each tender.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Added to the eggs to create a smooth, easy-to-dip batter.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Provides the signature crispiness—panko crumbs make it even crunchier!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory depth that’s essential for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every bite and balances the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the tenders crisp up perfectly in the oven without added oil.
How to Make Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking chicken tenders to juicy perfection while developing that all-important crispy coating. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking later on.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Arrange three shallow bowls ready for your coating process. Place the flour in the first, whisk together eggs and milk in the second, and create a seasoned breadcrumb mixture in the third by combining breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup makes dipping the tenders easy and mess-free.
Step 3: Coat Each Chicken Tender
Take each chicken tender and coat it first in the flour, gently shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Next, dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully covered to provide a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs. Finally, press each tender into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating all around.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray for Crispness
Lay your breaded chicken tenders out on the prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space to bake evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray—this little trick helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the oven without extra oil.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the tenders for 18 to 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through for an even crunch on both sides. The chicken should be cooked through and the exterior a vibrant golden brown. The result? Crispy, juicy tenders that are ready to be devoured.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the tenders straight from the oven and serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces to add another layer of deliciousness. You’ve just made an Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add brightness and an extra touch of flavor to your chicken tenders. These little additions make the dish feel special and invite a burst of freshness alongside the crispy coating.
Side Dishes
Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as crunchy carrot sticks, creamy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or seasoned rice provide comforting balance to the crunch of the tenders.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the tenders on a platter lined with parchment paper and accompanied by an assortment of dipping sauces in small bowls. Alternatively, tuck the tenders inside soft burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a fun chicken sandwich twist that the whole family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover tenders completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy second meal or snack.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch in advance, freeze the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to 1 month and lets you enjoy the Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers or frozen tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crisp again, usually about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders and follow the same breading and baking process. Just be mindful that thicker pieces might require a longer baking time.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work just fine and still give a good crunch, but panko breadcrumbs provide that extra light and airy crispiness that makes these tenders so special.
Is it possible to make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Make sure to use gluten-free spices and cooking spray if needed, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free version that’s just as crispy.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe scales up easily. Just spread the tenders out on extra baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and maintain their crispiness.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?
Classic choices include honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment with your favorites to keep things exciting every time you serve this dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a dish as flavorful and crispy as this Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe with so little fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a delicious weeknight treat, these tenders hit all the right notes—juicy, crunchy, and packed with just the right seasoning. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover how wonderfully easy and rewarding homemade chicken tenders can be!
Print
Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy this easy and delicious crispy oven-baked chicken tenders recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack. These tender chicken strips are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, offering a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Others
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Flour Coating: Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl to coat the chicken tenders initially.
- Make Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create a smooth egg wash for binding the breadcrumbs.
- Mix Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to add flavor and crunch.
- Flour the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated for the breadcrumbs to stick.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it evenly for a crispy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning the tenders once halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked, and the breading is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs will result in a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Ensure the chicken tenders are not overcrowded on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute regular milk with any plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- For extra crispy tenders, spray both sides with cooking spray before baking.
- Check chicken internal temperature to be 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
