If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously crispy and wholesome dish that everyone will absolutely love, look no further than this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. With a perfectly crunchy panko coating infused with a blend of herbs and spices, these tenders bake up golden and juicy without the mess of frying. It’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to bring this recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, delivering the right texture, and giving the tenders that irresistible golden color.
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs: These provide a light, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the chicken and seasoning mix.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just a gentle, warm kick to balance the herbs.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild savoriness without overpowering the other spices.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the spice blend with its classic aromatic punch.
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders: The star of the show, tender and perfect for quick, even cooking.
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning: To season the chicken tenders before coating, ensuring flavor inside and out.
- 2 eggs: Bind the coating to the chicken while keeping it moist and tender.
- Cooking spray: Helps crisp the coating in the oven, giving that golden finish without the need for oil baths.
- Dipping sauce of choice: A personal touch that adds a burst of complementary flavor with every dip.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, give them a gentle stir, then toast another 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This toasting step is key — it amps up the crunch and adds a nutty depth to your coating. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, as toasted panko is what makes these tenders so satisfying.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating
Transfer the toasted panko into a bowl and mix in dried parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This combination creates a beautifully balanced seasoning that’s fragrant and flavorful, wrapping each tender with complexity. Now, crank your oven temperature up to 425°F and position an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet to prepare for baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. These act as the perfect “glue,” helping the seasoned breadcrumbs stick to the chicken slices without making the coating soggy. Plus, eggs add moisture, ensuring a juicy bite inside the crisp crust.
Step 4: Season the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better. Season both sides with a light pinch of salt and pepper. These little touches create flavor right inside the chicken, making every bite shine.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Dip each tender into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Press the chicken firmly into the seasoned panko mixture, making sure it’s fully coated with a generous layer. Then arrange the coated tenders on the parchment-lined baking sheet with the wire rack underneath. This rack allows hot air to circulate, so the tenders get crispy all around. Repeat until all tenders are coated and ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Give the coated tenders a light spray with cooking spray — this extra step ensures they bake up beautifully crisp and golden without frying. Bake them at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have an irresistible crunchy exterior. The result? Tender, juicy chicken centers wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy coating.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, let the tenders cool for a few minutes so the coating sets perfectly. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Tender and flavorful on their own, baked chicken tenders shine even more when garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of zest. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright burst of acidity that cuts through the rich crunch beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair these tenders with crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, or classic baked fries. Roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes also complement their savory crunch perfectly, making it an instantly satisfying family dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz up your presentation? Arrange the tenders on a large platter with colorful veggies or pile them inside whole wheat wraps with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a handheld feast. They also make fabulous finger food on a party platter alongside a variety of dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This not only preserves their flavor but ensures they are ready for a quick, delicious second round without compromising their texture too much.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for later, freeze the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen tenders stay great for up to 2 months and are a lifesaver for busy nights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave to avoid sogginess—instead, pop the tenders in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes their crunchiness while warming them through perfectly, making it taste almost like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, airier crunch that makes the coating extra crispy. The texture difference is noticeable and really elevates the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since panko breadcrumbs usually contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep it gluten-free and still deliciously crispy.
Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken tenders and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple more minutes to baking time if they’re chilled before going into the oven.
What dipping sauces work best with baked chicken tenders?
The sky’s the limit! Classic choices like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing are always crowd-pleasers, but you can also try spicy sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or a tangy buffalo sauce for something different.
How can I make the coating extra crispy?
Make sure to toast your panko breadcrumbs first, as this adds crunch. Also, using cooking spray before baking and placing tenders on a wire rack ensures even crispiness without frying.
Final Thoughts
Your new favorite weeknight dinner is just a few simple steps away with this Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s an easy, flavorful way to enjoy crispy chicken without the hassle or extra calories of frying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to comfort food that feels special every time.
Print
Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Chicken Tenders recipe offers a healthier twist on classic fried chicken tenders by using a crispy panko breadcrumb coating baked to golden perfection. The tenders are seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then baked in the oven for a tender, juicy interior and a crunchy exterior. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or party appetizer, served alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Coating
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on a parchment-lined large baking sheet and bake for 2-3 minutes. Stir and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prepare Seasoned Coating: Once toasted, remove the panko from the oven and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the dried parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until evenly combined. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Place an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet and set aside.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs to combine.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, press the chicken into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated. Place coated tenders onto the parchment-lined baking sheet with the wire rack. Repeat for all tenders.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness, if desired. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry to help the coating stick better.
- Watch the panko breadcrumbs closely when toasting to prevent burning.
- Using a wire rack helps to keep the tenders crispy all around by allowing air to circulate.
- For extra crispness, do not skip the cooking spray before baking.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mix for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
