Ovenbaked Crispy Chicken Tenders

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Crispy Without the Fry

By Amara Vitalis September 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some crispy baked chicken tenders without the guilt? Remember those shop bought ones? Let's ditch the processed stuff! This recipe is for seriously tasty oven baked chicken tenders.

They have flavour and crunch.

Brief Overview

Chicken tenders are practically an American staple. My version skips the frying! This recipe is easy. It takes just over an hour, including chilling time.

Makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner!

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing about these is they're healthier than fried. You get that satisfying crunch without all the extra oil.

Serve them at your next family get-together. What makes this recipe special? The panko crusted chicken tenders baked golden and super crispy!

What you'll need

Alright, let’s gather the ingredients for our chicken tender recipes easy . We need chicken, of course! Plus some bits from the cupboard.

Flour, eggs, breadcrumbs... you know the drill. Oh, and Parmesan!

Seasoning the Chicken

Next up, time to talk about seasoning. Don't skimp on this step! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika gives a proper flavour boost. Nobody wants bland chicken, right?

Panko Power

The secret weapon here is panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese crumbs are the KEY to that amazing crunch. Trust me on this one! Don't settle for regular breadcrumbs.

We're aiming for oven fried chicken tenders but crispy baked chicken tenders !

**Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Oven Baked Chicken Tenders**

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to nail these oven baked chicken tenders. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. No need to panic buy obscure ingredients! This is about making a family friendly, easy weeknight chicken tenders meal that everyone will love.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need, measured precisely. We need 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1 inch (2.

5cm) thick tenders. You want good quality chicken. If it smells off, chuck it! We're also grabbing 1 tsp (5ml) kosher salt, ½ tsp (2.

5ml) black pepper, 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder, and ½ tsp (2.5ml) paprika.

Now, for that crunchy coating. Get ready with 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour. Two large eggs, lightly beaten. Then, the secret weapon: 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs.

These are essential for that amazing crisp. Mix those with ½ cup (45g) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp (5ml) dried Italian herbs.

A drizzle of ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil will help it all bake to golden perfection.

Seasoning Notes

Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are your base. The Italian herbs add a lovely aromatic touch. Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs! Don't have Italian herbs? A mix of dried oregano, basil, and rosemary works.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. Three shallow dishes or pie plates are needed for your breading station. You'll also need a baking sheet.

I always line mine with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. A meat thermometer is optional.

However, I recommend it to ensure that the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

These crispy baked chicken tenders are about to become your new favourite!

Cooking Method: Getting Seriously Crispy with Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Honestly, who doesn't love chicken tender recipes easy and quick? But the usual fried versions? Bit of a faff, innit? Plus, all that oil.

.. So, I'm sharing my secret for ridiculously crispy baked chicken tenders without the deep fryer drama.

Prep Steps: Sorted and Safe

Essential mise en place: First, get your chicken. Slice 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts into tender shapes. You know? Like proper chicken tenderloins in oven style. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Time saving organization tips: Set up your breading station. Flour first, then the egg, then the panko mix. Like an assembly line, but for awesome food.
Safety reminders: Raw chicken. Wash your hands! And don't lick your fingers (as tempting as that panko mix is!).

step-by-step Process: Simple as Pie

Flour power! Dredge each tender in flour. Shake off the excess!
Egg-cellent dip! Dip in beaten egg, making sure it's fully coated.
Panko perfection! Press into your panko, parmesan, and herb mix. Make sure that tender is completely covered!
Chill out time! Refrigerate the breaded tenders for at least 30 minutes . This is super important! It helps the coating stick.
Oven's ready! Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line your baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
Bake 'em up! Arrange on the sheet, drizzle with the remaining oil, bake for 20- 25 minutes.
Check the temp! The internal temp must reach 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants dodgy chicken.
Rest is best! Let them rest a few minutes before you tuck in.

Pro Tips: Nailing It Every Time

Chilling is the MVP. It's a game changer for that crispy finish.
Don't overcrowd. Give those tenders some space!
Temperature is key! Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C).
A common mistake is not drizzling with olive oil, don't forget to drizzle them with the remaining olive oil for an even, golden brown bake.
make-ahead? Bread them earlier in the day. Just keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Get Those Tenders Cranking!

So there you have it my best baked chicken tenders recipe . Seriously, these oven fried chicken tenders are banging! Quick, easy, and super satisfying.

Perfect for an easy weeknight chicken tenders meal that even the pickiest eaters will love! You might want to hide some for yourself.

You know? Just saying. The panko crusted chicken tenders baked this way are something else.

**Recipe Notes for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Tenders**

Right then, before you dive into making these crispy baked chicken tenders , let's chat through a few essential bits and bobs, yeah? Honestly, even the easiest recipes have little things that can make or break 'em.

This is the bit where I tell you what I've learned, so you don't make the same silly mistakes I did!

Serving Up Sunshine (and Chicken)

When it comes to plating, think simple and cheerful. These chicken tender recipes easy enough for a midweek meal shouldn't require fancy faffing about! I like to pile the chicken tenders baked high on a plate, maybe with a little sprig of parsley for a bit of green.

For sides, you can't go wrong with chips (fries, for my American pals). Even better, try sweet potato fries for a bit of extra flavour.

For drinks, I reckon a nice, cold glass of lemonade goes down a treat, or maybe a cheeky beer if it's that kind of Friday!

Storing Like a Pro (or at Least Trying To!)

If you've got any leftovers (unlikely, I know!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Don't leave them sitting about, that's just asking for trouble!

Freezing baked chicken breast tenders is an option, but be warned, they might lose a bit of their crispiness. If you do freeze them, wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat, stick them back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until they're warmed through. A little bit of crisp is better than none at all, right?

Variations: Spicing Things Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.

My friend Sarah swears by it. If you're after a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs. Easy peasy.

For seasonal swaps, think about adding different herbs to the panko mix. In the summer, fresh basil and oregano would be lovely.

Come autumn, try a pinch of dried sage or thyme. It will make your chicken tenderloins in oven shine!

A Little Nosh About Nutrition

Alright, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. These oven fried chicken tenders are lower in fat than the deep fried variety, which is always a win.

They're a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken, and the panko breadcrumbs add a bit of fibre.

The parmesan cheese gives you a calcium boost, too. Just remember everything in moderation, eh? But trust me, these best baked chicken tenders recipe is a winner.

So there you have it. All the little bits of wisdom I've picked up making these kid-friendly chicken tender recipe .

Don't be scared to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy your grub! Now get in there and make the most easy weeknight chicken tenders ever.

You got this! These panko crusted chicken tenders baked will be a family favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my oven baked chicken tenders from drying out?

Nobody wants a dry chicken tender! A couple of tricks will help you avoid that dreaded outcome. First, don't overbake them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) and then get them out of the oven. Also, chilling the chicken before baking helps retain moisture during the cooking process.

My oven baked chicken tenders aren't crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the quest for the perfect crunch! Chilling the breaded tenders is absolutely crucial for that delightful crispiness. Drizzling the chicken tenders with olive oil before baking ensures an even golden brown bake.

Also, make sure you're using Panko breadcrumbs; they provide a far superior crunch to regular breadcrumbs. Finally, don't overcrowd your baking sheet; give those tenders some breathing room!

Can I prepare the oven baked chicken tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can be a domestic goddess and prep ahead! You can bread the chicken tenders and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a brilliant way to save time on a busy weeknight and get your dinner ready in less than half an hour!

Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

What's the best way to store leftover oven baked chicken tenders?

Store your leftover oven baked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the oven is your best friend! Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make them a bit soggy.

Can I make these oven baked chicken tenders gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes, absolutely! For gluten-free oven baked chicken tenders, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Dairy can also be avoided by using a nutritional yeast parmesan cheese alternative.

With these substitutions, you can happily enjoy this dish even with dietary restrictions.

How can I add a bit of flavour to my oven baked chicken tenders?

Spice up your life! You can add flavor to your oven baked chicken tenders in a myriad of ways. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat. Alternatively, experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, or dried thyme.

You could also marinate the chicken in buttermilk with herbs before breading for added tenderness and flavor!