These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders give you all the crunch and flavor of classic fried chicken strips without the deep fryer. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a golden panko-Parmesan crumb, then baked until crispy, making this a lighter take on your favorite comfort food. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, easy meal prep, or a fun family-friendly chicken tenders recipe everyone can dip and share. Pair them with fries, salad, or veggies, and your choice of sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch. If you’re searching for baked chicken tenders that are simple, satisfying, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is a must-save.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but great for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray, for coating
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Optional: wire rack (to place on baking sheet for extra crispiness)
- 2 medium bowls (for egg and breadcrumbs)
- Fork or whisk
- Tongs or your hands for breading
- Knife & cutting board
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the chicken
If using chicken breasts, slice into 1-inch wide strips. If using chicken tenders, you can leave them as they are. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Set up breading stations
- In one bowl: beat 2 eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl: mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Bread the chicken
Working one piece at a time:- Dip chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- For extra crunch, you can repeat egg + crumbs for a double coat.
- Prepare the baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the sheet and lay the tenders on the rack—this helps them crisp on all sides. - Arrange the tenders
Place breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet (or rack), leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them brown and get crispy. - Bake until crispy
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through baking.
- Chicken tenders are done when they’re golden brown, crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & serve
Let the tenders rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces—honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo are all great options. 😋
Pro Tips
- Use a wire rack for maximum crispiness on all sides.
- Don’t skip the oil spray it helps the crumbs toast and turn golden.
- Cut evenly so all tenders cook at the same rate.
- Make ahead: Cool completely and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Great for meal prep pack with veggies and a dip for easy lunches.
Nutrition Table (Estimated)
Per serving (¼ of recipe):
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 portion | 375 | 32g | 20g | 18g | 1g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are approximate and based on typical ingredients and portions. Values will vary depending on brands (e.g., breadcrumbs, Parmesan) and exact quantities. For precise dietary needs, please calculate using your own ingredients or consult a nutrition professional.
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- If using chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch wide strips. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a second bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. For extra crunch, repeat egg and crumbs for a double coat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place a wire rack on top if you have one and arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders prove you don’t need a deep fryer to get that satisfying crunch. With simple pantry ingredients, minimal prep, and easy oven baking, you can whip up a batch any night of the week. They’re perfect for kids, game nights, or anyone who loves classic comfort food made a little lighter. Pin this recipe and keep it handy it’s one of those go-to dinners you’ll come back to over and over.