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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Easy and Flavorful Recipe

by on May 4, 2025

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish that pleases everyone. This recipe delivers the perfect crunch and juicy chicken, ideal for busy nights or family gatherings. So, let’s dive into the steps that will make your kitchen smell amazing and keep those plates clean!

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key to making crispy baked chicken tenders. Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips for easy cooking and eating. Next, I use one cup of breadcrumbs. Panko works best because it adds extra crunch. For a cheesy flavor, we need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the coating rich and tasty. Now, let’s spice things up. I add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the chicken a great flavor. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the taste. For binding, we need two large eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a nice kick, and one tablespoon of olive oil keeps the chicken tender and juicy. With these ingredients, you are all set to create a delicious dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup. - In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to spread the spices evenly. - In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth. - Take each chicken strip and dip it in the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off. - Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. Place the chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet. - Once all the chicken strips are coated, spray them lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. - When they turn golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before enjoying. To make your chicken tenders super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs add a great crunch that regular ones can't match. Just sprinkle them on the chicken for even coverage. Before baking, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray. This little step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. When it comes to serving, pair your tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing. These sauces add a tasty dip that kids and adults love. For a pretty touch, garnish your dish with fresh herbs. Parsley or basil works great and adds a pop of color. Bake your chicken tenders at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. This high heat cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it juicy. Remember to flip the tenders halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and moist. Pro Tips Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken tenders an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. Don’t Skip the Resting: Allowing the tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices, making them more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Perfect Pairings: Serve these chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for a flavorful experience. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. Try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mix. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. You can also use flavored breadcrumbs. These come in many varieties. Spicy or garlic-flavored options can give your tenders a fun twist. For a healthier twist, use alternative binders. Yogurt or milk works great instead of eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick while adding moisture. If you want a gluten-free option, almond flour is a fantastic choice. It gives a nice texture and keeps the tenders light. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. Homemade ranch is a classic choice and pairs well with crispy bites. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy flavor that kids love. For those who like heat, spicy sriracha mayo adds a kick. Mix mayo with sriracha to your taste. Each sauce brings a unique flavor to your meal. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in, preventing them from drying out. Store your chicken tenders in the fridge right after they cool down. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use the oven to reheat. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make your tenders soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken tenders overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned before for best results. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders anytime! Bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Make sure they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. This step helps to get that nice crunch on both sides. You can use frozen chicken tenders, but they may not get as crispy. If you choose frozen, bake them longer. Follow the package instructions for best results. Fresh chicken tends to have a better texture and flavor. Serve baked chicken tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair well with: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - Fresh salad - Steamed veggies These sides add color and texture to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different options! You've learned how to make tasty baked chicken tenders with simple steps. We covered main ingredients, seasoning, and binding elements. I shared tips for crispiness and healthy variations. Storing and reheating tips help keep leftovers fresh. These tenders can impress any guest or family member. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don't be afraid to try new flavors. You'll create a dish everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthier Option: These baked chicken tenders are a delicious alternative to fried versions, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, allowing you to whip up a tasty dish in no time.
  3. Customizable: You can easily modify the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making it versatile for everyone in the family.
  4. Kid-Friendly: These crispy chicken tenders are a hit with kids, making mealtime enjoyable while ensuring they eat something nutritious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 1 tsp onion powder

– 1 tsp smoked paprika

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding Ingredients

– 2 large eggs

– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

– 1 tbsp olive oil

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making crispy baked chicken tenders. Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips for easy cooking and eating.

Next, I use one cup of breadcrumbs. Panko works best because it adds extra crunch. For a cheesy flavor, we need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the coating rich and tasty.

Now, let’s spice things up. I add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the chicken a great flavor. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the taste.

For binding, we need two large eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a nice kick, and one tablespoon of olive oil keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

With these ingredients, you are all set to create a delicious dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly.

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup.

– In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to spread the spices evenly.

Coating Process

– In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth.

– Take each chicken strip and dip it in the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off.

– Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. Place the chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet.

Baking

– Once all the chicken strips are coated, spray them lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely.

– Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking.

– When they turn golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before enjoying.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispiness

To make your chicken tenders super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs add a great crunch that regular ones can’t match. Just sprinkle them on the chicken for even coverage. Before baking, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray. This little step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, pair your tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing. These sauces add a tasty dip that kids and adults love. For a pretty touch, garnish your dish with fresh herbs. Parsley or basil works great and adds a pop of color.

Cooking Time

Bake your chicken tenders at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. This high heat cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it juicy. Remember to flip the tenders halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and moist.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken tenders an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  2. Don’t Skip the Resting: Allowing the tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices, making them more tender and flavorful.
  3. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
  4. Perfect Pairings: Serve these chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for a flavorful experience.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. Try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mix. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. You can also use flavored breadcrumbs. These come in many varieties. Spicy or garlic-flavored options can give your tenders a fun twist.

Healthier Options

For a healthier twist, use alternative binders. Yogurt or milk works great instead of eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick while adding moisture. If you want a gluten-free option, almond flour is a fantastic choice. It gives a nice texture and keeps the tenders light.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. Homemade ranch is a classic choice and pairs well with crispy bites. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy flavor that kids love. For those who like heat, spicy sriracha mayo adds a kick. Mix mayo with sriracha to your taste. Each sauce brings a unique flavor to your meal.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in, preventing them from drying out. Store your chicken tenders in the fridge right after they cool down. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use the oven to reheat. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make your tenders soggy.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken tenders overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned before for best results. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders anytime!

FAQs

How long do I bake chicken tenders?

Bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Make sure they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. This step helps to get that nice crunch on both sides.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

You can use frozen chicken tenders, but they may not get as crispy. If you choose frozen, bake them longer. Follow the package instructions for best results. Fresh chicken tends to have a better texture and flavor.

What can I serve with baked chicken tenders?

Serve baked chicken tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair well with:

– French fries

– Sweet potato fries

– Fresh salad

– Steamed veggies

These sides add color and texture to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different options!

You’ve learned how to make tasty baked chicken tenders with simple steps. We covered main ingredients, seasoning, and binding elements. I shared tips for crispiness and healthy variations. Storing and reheating tips help keep leftovers fresh. These tenders can impress any guest or family member. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors. You’ll create a dish everyone will lov

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key to making crispy baked chicken tenders. Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips for easy cooking and eating. Next, I use one cup of breadcrumbs. Panko works best because it adds extra crunch. For a cheesy flavor, we need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the coating rich and tasty. Now, let’s spice things up. I add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the chicken a great flavor. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the taste. For binding, we need two large eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a nice kick, and one tablespoon of olive oil keeps the chicken tender and juicy. With these ingredients, you are all set to create a delicious dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup. - In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to spread the spices evenly. - In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth. - Take each chicken strip and dip it in the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off. - Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. Place the chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet. - Once all the chicken strips are coated, spray them lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. - When they turn golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before enjoying. To make your chicken tenders super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs add a great crunch that regular ones can't match. Just sprinkle them on the chicken for even coverage. Before baking, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray. This little step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. When it comes to serving, pair your tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing. These sauces add a tasty dip that kids and adults love. For a pretty touch, garnish your dish with fresh herbs. Parsley or basil works great and adds a pop of color. Bake your chicken tenders at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. This high heat cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it juicy. Remember to flip the tenders halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and moist. Pro Tips Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken tenders an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. Don’t Skip the Resting: Allowing the tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices, making them more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Perfect Pairings: Serve these chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for a flavorful experience. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. Try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mix. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. You can also use flavored breadcrumbs. These come in many varieties. Spicy or garlic-flavored options can give your tenders a fun twist. For a healthier twist, use alternative binders. Yogurt or milk works great instead of eggs. They help the breadcrumbs stick while adding moisture. If you want a gluten-free option, almond flour is a fantastic choice. It gives a nice texture and keeps the tenders light. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. Homemade ranch is a classic choice and pairs well with crispy bites. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy flavor that kids love. For those who like heat, spicy sriracha mayo adds a kick. Mix mayo with sriracha to your taste. Each sauce brings a unique flavor to your meal. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in, preventing them from drying out. Store your chicken tenders in the fridge right after they cool down. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use the oven to reheat. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make your tenders soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken tenders overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned before for best results. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders anytime! Bake chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Make sure they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. This step helps to get that nice crunch on both sides. You can use frozen chicken tenders, but they may not get as crispy. If you choose frozen, bake them longer. Follow the package instructions for best results. Fresh chicken tends to have a better texture and flavor. Serve baked chicken tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair well with: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - Fresh salad - Steamed veggies These sides add color and texture to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different options! You've learned how to make tasty baked chicken tenders with simple steps. We covered main ingredients, seasoning, and binding elements. I shared tips for crispiness and healthy variations. Storing and reheating tips help keep leftovers fresh. These tenders can impress any guest or family member. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don't be afraid to try new flavors. You'll create a dish everyone will love.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
  • In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well blended.
  • Take each chicken strip and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Next, transfer the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Once all chicken strips are coated, spray them lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them for extra crispiness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even crispness.
  • Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, tenders

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