Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect mix of crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with simple ingredients like juicy chicken strips, breadcrumbs, and just the right spices, they come out golden and delicious every time. These tenders are baked, not fried, so they feel a bit lighter but still super satisfying.
I love making these tenders because they’re quick to prep and bake, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend snacks. I usually toss the chicken in a mix of breadcrumbs and a little parmesan for extra flavor, and sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika. It feels like a little homemade magic that turns regular chicken into something everyone asks for seconds of!
My favorite way to serve them is with a side of honey mustard or a simple ranch dip—dipping makes eating them even more fun. They also work great in wraps or salads when I want a quick meal that still tastes hearty. These chicken tenders always remind me of cozy family dinners and easy gatherings with friends, where everyone’s happy and full at the end of the meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Using chicken tenderloins is best for quick cooking and tenderness. If you don’t have tenders, you can cut chicken breasts into similar strips.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crunch because of its light, airy texture. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs work but may give a denser coating.
Parmesan Cheese: It brings a nice nutty flavor and helps crispiness. You can skip this or try grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add warming flavors. Feel free to adjust spices or add herbs like thyme or oregano.
Eggs and Milk: The egg wash helps crumbs stick. For a dairy-free option, swap milk for water or a non-dairy milk.
Olive Oil or Butter: Drizzling fat over the tenders helps browning and crunch. Use melted butter for richer taste or oil for a lighter finish.
How Do You Get Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Every Time?
Crispiness is key, and here’s how to nail it:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle Oil or Butter: Don’t skip this step—it helps the crust turn golden in the oven.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning your tenders ensures even crisping on both sides.
- Keep Space Between Tenders: Laying them in a single layer without overcrowding lets hot air circulate well.
- Hot Oven: Baking at 425°F (220°C) crisps the coating quickly without drying out the chicken inside.
Following these tips, your chicken tenders should come out crunchy on the outside and juicy inside every time. Letting them rest a few minutes after baking helps the juices stay locked in and keeps that crust just right.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat tray that helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy all around.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Makes cleanup easy and stops the tenders from sticking.
- Shallow bowls – Perfect for setting up the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture side by side for easy dipping.
- Tongs – Helps you turn the tenders safely and keeps your hands clean.
- Wire rack (optional) – Placing tenders on this lets air circulate underneath for extra crunch.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – Useful to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey tenders or thin pork cutlets for a different protein that also bakes well.
- Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick perfect for adventurous eaters.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to add brightness and aroma.
- Try coating with crushed cornflakes instead of panko for an extra-crunchy, subtly sweet crust.
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 to 20 minutes to bake. So, in just 25 to 30 minutes, you’ll have beautifully crispy chicken tenders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven and Baking Tray Ready:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the tenders won’t stick.
2. Mix the Crispy Coating:
In a shallow bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful crunchy coating.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until they are well mixed. This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, letting the extra drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mix so it’s fully covered with that tasty crust.
5. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Place all the coated tenders on your baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly on top—that helps make the crust golden and crispy. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through so both sides get perfectly crisp.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, let your tenders rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy homemade baked chicken tenders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat the tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and stay crispy.
How Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Make sure any other seasonings are certified gluten-free for the best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Prepare These Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken tenders and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them closer to room temperature before popping them in the oven for even cooking.
