Easy Baked Chicken Tenders — Crispy, Juicy & Family-Friendly

 

These Easy Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy and golden on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. Seasoned panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a crunchy coating without deep frying. Serve them with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: About 12 chicken tenders
Course: Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins, about 12 pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

For Serving

• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Barbecue sauce
• Ketchup
• Fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.

Using a wire rack can help hot air circulate underneath the chicken for a crispier coating.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.

Trim away any unwanted connective tissue if necessary.

3. Prepare the Breading Station

Place the flour in a shallow bowl.

In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

In a third bowl, combine:

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley

Mix well.

4. Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken tender lightly in flour and shake off the excess.

Dip it completely into the egg mixture.

Press it firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides.

Repeat with the remaining chicken.

5. Prepare for Baking

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave a little space between each tender.

Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil. This helps the breadcrumb coating become golden and crispy.

6. Bake

Bake at 425°F for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning the tenders halfway through cooking.

Cooking time will vary depending on their thickness.

The chicken is fully cooked when the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Make Them Extra Crispy

For additional browning, broil the chicken tenders for approximately 1–2 minutes at the end.

Watch them closely so the breadcrumbs don't burn.

8. Serve

Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

🍟 What to Serve With Baked Chicken Tenders

Make these into an easy family dinner with:

• French fries
• Potato wedges
• Macaroni and cheese
• Mashed potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Side salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Dinner rolls

For a classic chicken-tender meal, serve them with crispy fries and bowls of honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce.

Recipe Tips

Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture than traditional breadcrumbs alone.

Add Parmesan: Parmesan adds flavor and helps create a beautifully golden coating.

Pat the chicken dry: Removing excess moisture helps the breading stick.

Don't overcrowd the pan: Leave space between the tenders so they bake rather than steam.

Add a little oil: A light coating of oil helps mimic some of the crispiness you'd normally get from frying.

Use a thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F internally.

Easy Variations

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture and serve with spicy ranch.

Garlic Parmesan Tenders

Increase the Parmesan to ¾ cup and add another ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

BBQ Chicken Tenders

Bake the chicken as directed, then brush lightly with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes.

Ranch Chicken Tenders

Add 1–2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

For the crispiest leftovers, reheat the tenders in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in a 375°F oven for approximately 8–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make baked chicken tenders crispy?

Panko breadcrumbs, a small amount of oil, high oven heat, and leaving space between the tenders all help create a crispy exterior.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts lengthwise into strips approximately the size of chicken tenderloins.

Can I make these without Parmesan?

Yes. Simply replace the Parmesan with additional breadcrumbs.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken a few hours before cooking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake shortly before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze baked chicken tenders?

Yes. Allow the cooked tenders to cool completely and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 690mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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