Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

I bake tender chicken strips coated in a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb crust—delivering all the crunch of fried tenders without the oil. They’re juicy, satisfying, and easy to prep for meals or snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these baked tenders give me that classic crispy texture with much less mess and fat compared to deep frying. The seasoned breadcrumb coating adds great flavor, and baking makes cleanup simple. They’re perfect for dipping, dipping, and dipping some more—seriously!

Ingredients

(Heres a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or strips

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs, beaten

• Breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. I set up a breading station: flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.

3. I pat the chicken strips dry, then dredge each piece first in flour, shaking off any excess.

4. Next, I dip the strips in beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off.

5. Then I coat each strip evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.

6. I place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart, and lightly spray or drizzle them with oil to promote browning.

7. I bake for about 15 minutes, then flip each tender and continue baking another 10–12 minutes until they’re golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaching 165 °F / 74 °C).

8. I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the coating stays crunchy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people (about 16 tenders).

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• I use Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko mixed with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.

• I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick.

• I stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness.

• I swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy note.

• I make gluten-free tenders by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, I place them on a rack or baking sheet and warm in a 375 °F oven for about 8–10 minutes until heated through. Microwaving makes them lose their crunch, so I avoid it.

FAQs

How can I ensure the tenders stay crispy?

I bake them at a high temperature (425 °F) and use panko breadcrumbs for crispiness. Lightly coating them with oil before baking also helps maintain the crunch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—I bread the tenders and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. For meal prep, I bake them in advance and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Absolutely—I cool baked tenders completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, I bake from frozen at 375 °F for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp.

What dipping sauces pair well?

I love these tenders with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, buffalo sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli—my favorite for dipping session!

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Sure—I slice chicken breasts into strips of similar size and follow the same breading and baking method. Just watch the baking time to ensure they reach 165 °F (74 °C) inside.

Conclusion

I find these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders incredibly versatile, crowd-pleasing, and healthier than their fried counterparts. They come together easily and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for family dinners, snacks, or game-day munching.