Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders – A Healthier Twist on a Classic!
Craving that crispy, golden crunch without the deep-frying? These baked chicken tenders deliver the perfect balance of a crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken inside. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re ideal for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even as a party snack.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them into wraps, or pair them with roasted veggies for a wholesome and satisfying meal! Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Tenders
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps.
✅ Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, keeping them light without sacrificing crunch.
✅ Incredibly Flavorful: A crispy, golden crust with a tender, juicy center.
✅ Kid-Approved: Perfect for little ones—fun to eat and packed with protein!
✅ Versatile: Pair with your favorite dips, toss into salads, or serve with roasted veggies.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Chicken Recipes and Chicken Breast Recipes for even more delicious ideas!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Here’s what you’ll need for these crispy baked chicken tenders (full details in the recipe card below):
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Chicken: Use chicken tenderloins or slice chicken breasts into strips.
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Breading: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a wholesome crunch (use gluten-free if needed).
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Parmesan Cheese: For a rich, cheesy flavor (omit for a dairy-free option).
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Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for bold taste.
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Eggs: Create an egg wash to help the breading stick.
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Olive Oil Spray: A light mist before baking gives them that perfect crispy finish.
Taste & Texture
Baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They are also very flavorful and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
The breading gives the chicken a delicious flavor and crispy texture.
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Step 4
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5
Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these oven baked chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or a light ranch!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best baked chicken tenders.
Use boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts: This will help the chicken tenders cook evenly.
Cut the chicken tenders into uniform pieces: This will also help t
Taste & Texture
These oven-baked chicken tenders deliver the perfect contrast—crispy and golden on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The flavorful breading adds a satisfying crunch, making them a fantastic alternative to fried chicken. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a mouthwatering meal!
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Breading
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth. This will help the coating stick.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray the coated tenders with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a light ranch dressing for the ultimate dipping experience!
Pro Tips for Success
✔ Use high-quality chicken. Tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform strips work best.
✔ Even coating = crispy results. Press the breading onto the chicken to help it stick better.
✔ Bake until golden & crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
✔ Don’t skip the oil spray. A light mist helps the tenders crisp up beautifully in the oven.
he chicken tenders cook evenly.
Use a good quality breadcrumb mix: The breading mix will help the chicken tenders get crispy.
Bake the chicken tenders until they are cooked through: The chicken tenders should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
🔥 Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery kick.
🌿 Boost the Flavor: Experiment with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a dash of lemon zest for a flavorful twist.
🍗 Try This Next: If you love stuffed chicken, check out our Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe for another delicious meal idea!
How to Serve & Store Baked Chicken Tenders
🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas:
Pair your crispy tenders with classic favorites like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy buffalo sauce. Want something different? Try our homemade ketchup!
🥗 Perfect Side Dishes:
Serve alongside smashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
🧊 Storage Tips:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat Without Drying Out: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
✔ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them fully gluten-free.
✔ How do I keep them crispy when reheating?
For best results, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave. This helps maintain the crunchy texture.
✔ What are the best dipping sauces?
Top choices include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or even garlic aioli! Pick your favorite or mix and match!
Essential Kitchen Tools
🔪 Sharp Knife Set: A good-quality knife makes slicing chicken effortless and precise.
🍳 Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
🌡 Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
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