Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a perfect snack or meal when you’re craving something crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These tenders have a golden, crispy coating that bakes up beautifully without frying, making them a little lighter but still full of flavor. With simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, spices, and tender chicken strips, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
I love making these chicken tenders because they’re super straightforward and don’t require standing over a pan full of hot oil. Baked just right, they come out crunchy and satisfying, and I like to sprinkle a little extra seasoning on top before popping them in the oven for some added zing. They’re also great to prepare in large batches ahead of time and reheat without losing their crispiness.
My favorite way to enjoy these crispy tenders is with a few dipping sauces—maybe a little honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing on the side. They’re perfect for a casual family dinner or even for a fun snack when friends come over. Plus, kids and adults alike can’t resist reaching for another piece!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders are best for juiciness. If you only have chicken breasts, slice them into strips of similar size so everything cooks evenly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the extra crunch due to their light, airy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work but expect slightly less crispiness.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a salty, nutty flavor to the coating. If you’re avoiding dairy, omit it or swap with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Eggs & Milk: These binders help the coating stick. For a dairy-free or vegan option, use unsweetened plant milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley give flavor and color to the crust. Feel free to adjust or add other herbs like thyme or cayenne for spice.
How Can I Get My Chicken Tenders Really Crispy When Baking?
Getting that irresistible crunch takes a few key steps:
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Their coarse texture helps create a crisp coating.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spraying the coated tenders before baking helps them brown and crisp up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give tenders space on the baking sheet so hot air circulates around them.
- Flip halfway: Turning the tenders about halfway through baking promotes even crispiness on all sides.
- High oven temperature: Baking at 425°F (220°C) helps the coating crisp quickly without drying out the chicken.
Following these tips has helped me get crunchy results every time, even without frying. Just be patient and keep an eye on your tenders to avoid burning the coating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed pan helps the tenders bake evenly and catch any crumbs that fall off.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – stops sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Two shallow bowls – one for the egg wash and one for the breadcrumb mix; this keeps your coating process neat and fast.
- Whisk or fork – for mixing eggs and milk smoothly.
- Tongs or fork – to dip and turn chicken tenders without making a mess.
- Cooking spray – helps the coating crisp up and browns nicely in the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken with turkey tenders for a leaner protein with a similar mild flavor.
- Add chili powder or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to brighten the taste.
- Stir in finely shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
For The Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For The Wet Mix:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Other:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Optional: your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, honey mustard, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to bake your chicken tenders until they’re golden and crispy. In just under half an hour, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, and lightly spray it with cooking spray to help your chicken tenders get that perfect crispy crust.
2. Mix Together the Wet Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until they form a smooth mixture. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will give your tenders a tasty, crunchy coating.
4. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently so the coating sticks well.
5. Arrange and Prepare for Baking:
Place your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, giving each piece a little space. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray — this will help them crisp up beautifully as they bake.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the chicken tenders in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. They’re done when golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
Remove your crispy chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle additional dried parsley on top for a nice finish if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy homemade baked chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy your delicious, healthier chicken treat!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and ensures crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes to help keep the coating crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Be sure to check that your seasoning ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Coating?
Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for herbal notes, or a bit of lemon zest for brightness. Mixing fresh herbs into the breadcrumb mixture also adds a lovely fresh flavor.
