Print

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy baked chicken tenders that are tender on the inside with a crunchy, flavorful coating. Made with simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices, these chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried versions, baked to golden perfection with a light coating of olive oil spray.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into strips

Breading

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Finishing

  • Olive oil spray (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or chicken tenders dry with paper towels and cut them into evenly sized strips to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one bowl, beat the 2 large eggs. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off, then dredge it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the breading to the chicken.
  4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking sheet to promote crispiness. Make sure to space the tenders evenly, not touching each other.
  5. Spray with olive oil: Lightly coat the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust during baking without deep frying.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken tenders for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even browning and crispiness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crisp and golden brown.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve the crispy baked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs results in a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Adding Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and adds a golden color to the crust.
  • Cooking on a wire rack instead of directly on a baking sheet helps excess air circulate under the tenders for extra crispiness.
  • Flip the tenders halfway through baking to promote even browning.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, oven baked chicken, healthy chicken tenders, panko breaded chicken, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders-recipe/