IRRESISTIBLE BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Imagine biting into a tender, juicy chicken strip, coated in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown breading that practically melts in your mouth – all without the guilt of deep-frying. These Baked Chicken Tenders are ridiculously easy to make, surprisingly healthy, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, even the pickiest eaters, I promise!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients for Deliciousness

Chicken Tenderloins

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins, trimmed

Breading Station #1: The Flour Power

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Breading Station #2: The Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk or water

Breading Station #3: The Crispy Coating

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional: For Extra Flavor

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep is Key!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Prepare your three breading stations. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water). In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Breading Time!

1. Working with one chicken tenderloin at a time, dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, again ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
3. Finally, dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. The goal is a nice, even coating.
4. Place the breaded chicken tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenderloins.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Lightly spray the breaded chicken tenderloins with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps them get extra crispy and golden brown.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the Baked Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Secrets to Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (My Best Friend Tips!)

I’ve made these Baked Chicken Tenders more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to ensure they’re always perfectly crispy and delicious. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

• Panko is Your Friend: Don’t skimp on the panko breadcrumbs! They’re the key to that crispy, crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t compare.
• Parmesan Power: Adding Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture not only enhances the flavor but also helps the breading get even crispier.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken tenderloins are spaced out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to bake properly. If you need to, use two baking sheets.
• The Spray is Essential: Don’t skip the cooking spray or olive oil spray! It helps the breading brown evenly and get nice and crispy. I’ve tried it without, and it’s just not the same.
• Check the Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This is important for food safety.
• Preheat Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the chicken in. A cold oven will result in soggy chicken.
• Variations are Welcome: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the flour and breadcrumb mixtures. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

These Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Classic Comfort: Serve them with mashed potatoes and your favorite green vegetable, like steamed broccoli or green beans. And, of course, you MUST have a side of Chicken Gravy Perfection!
• Kid-Friendly Feast: Pair them with mac and cheese and a side of fruit.
• Healthy & Delicious: Serve them with a side salad and roasted vegetables.
• Tenderloins as Sandwiches: Slice them up and make sliders with your favorite toppings.
• The Ultimate Snack: Serve them as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces.

These Baked Chicken Tenders also pair wonderfully with other chicken recipes. For instance, If you love crispy chicken, you should try the Crispy Chicken Tenders recipe. Or, for another Parmesan flavor bomb, try the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Baked Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken tenderloins for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain the crispness of the breading.
• Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This is another great option for maintaining crispness. Be sure to try our Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken for more inspiration!
• Microwave: While the microwave is the quickest option, it’s not the best for maintaining the crispness of the breading. Reheat the chicken tenderloins in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. I recommend placing a paper towel underneath to absorb some of the moisture.

Good Family Recipes: Making Memories in the Kitchen

Cooking and sharing meals with loved ones is one of life’s greatest joys. These Baked Chicken Tenders are the kind of good family recipes that create lasting memories. Involving your kids in the cooking process, even with simple tasks like measuring ingredients or breading the chicken, can be a fun and educational experience. Plus, everyone will feel a sense of accomplishment when they sit down to enjoy a delicious meal that they helped create. These Baked Chicken Tenders definitely qualify as one of the best dinners with chicken tenderloins.

Why Bake Instead of Fry?

While fried chicken tenders are undeniably delicious, baking them offers several advantages. Baking is a healthier option because it uses significantly less oil than frying. It’s also easier and less messy, as you don’t have to deal with hot oil splattering everywhere. Plus, baked chicken tenders are just as crispy and flavorful as their fried counterparts, especially when you use panko breadcrumbs and the right techniques. For another crispy option, you can also check out the Parmesan Crust Chicken Tenders recipe.

Homemade Chicken Tenders Oven: A Healthy and Delicious Choice

These Homemade Chicken Tenders Oven recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food without all the unhealthy fats and calories of frying. By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you’re making a healthier choice for yourself and your family. And with a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a dish that’s just as crispy, flavorful, and satisfying as the fried version.

This recipe is so easy and delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best Baked Chicken Tenders you’ve ever tasted!

Irresistible Baked Chicken Tenders

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Enjoy crispy and juicy chicken tenders without the guilt of frying. This recipe uses a simple breading technique and baking method to create a healthy and delicious family favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow dishes or bowls (3)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Cooking spray bottle

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins, trimmed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk or water
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray as needed
• Your favorite dipping sauces ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare your three breading stations. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water).
• In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Working with one chicken tenderloin at a time, dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, again ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
• Dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. The goal is a nice, even coating.
• Place the breaded chicken tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenderloins.
• Lightly spray the breaded chicken tenderloins with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the Baked Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Make sure to spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings for a customized flavor.