Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crunchy, golden chicken without the mess of frying. They get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, thanks to a simple breading mix that includes breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings. This recipe feels like a healthier take on classic chicken tenders, baked right in the oven for convenience.
I love making these chicken tenders because they come together so quickly, and the whole family always asks for seconds. One tip I use is to lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up even better. Plus, you can swap the seasoning to suit your mood—mild spices for the kids or a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping, alongside some oven-roasted veggies or a fresh salad. They make a great weeknight dinner or even a fun party snack. Whenever I make these tenders, they disappear fast, and I keep thinking about how easy and satisfying they are to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken tenders: Using chicken tenders is great because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you don’t have tenders, just slice chicken breasts into strips of similar size.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers work well too.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty flavor and crunch. You can skip it for dairy-free, or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and paprika give flavor and color. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for heat or herbs like dried oregano for a different twist.
Eggs and milk: These help the coating stick to the chicken. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk or just water.
Cooking spray: Spraying the tenders before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Olive oil spray is a healthy choice, but any cooking oil spray works.
How Do I Get My Chicken Tenders Extra Crispy in the Oven?
The key to crispy oven-baked tenders is the coating and how you bake them. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch:
- Use panko breadcrumbs because they are lighter and crisp better than regular breadcrumbs.
- Mix Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor.
- Press the breadcrumb mix firmly on the chicken so it sticks well and creates a sturdy crust.
- Place tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet—don’t overcrowd them to get even crisping.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops of the tenders with cooking oil to help the crust turn golden and crisp in the oven.
- Flip the tenders halfway through baking to get even browning on both sides.
Following these steps will give you tenders that are crispy outside but juicy inside without frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a rimmed sheet lined with parchment paper to keep things tidy and ensure even cooking.
- Shallow bowls – one for the breadcrumb mixture and one for the egg wash; these make coating easier.
- Whisk – helps mix eggs and milk smoothly for better adhesion to the chicken.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray – helps the tenders crisp up without extra oil.
- Cooling rack (optional) – allows excess oil or moisture to drain, keeping tenders crispier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat.
- Add a touch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Mix in shredded cheese or crushed crackers into the coating for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve with different dips like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce to change up the taste.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Ketchup or any preferred dipping sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Including a few minutes resting time after baking, you’ll have delicious, crispy chicken tenders ready in roughly 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Then, coat each piece evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
5. Arrange and Spray:
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch so they cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help create a crispy crust.
6. Bake the Chicken Tenders:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly. The tenders should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, serve with lemon wedges, and offer your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup or honey mustard.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before coating and baking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for a crispier crust.
Can I Make These Tenders Ahead of Time?
You can prep and bread the chicken tenders ahead, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness rather than microwaving.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or regular breadcrumbs work well. Panko gives extra crunch, so the others will be slightly less crispy but still tasty.