Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a real crowd-pleaser made with juicy chicken strips coated in a crunchy, golden crust that bakes up perfectly in the oven. These tenders are crispy on the outside without any deep-frying, so you get all the delicious texture with less mess and hassle. Simple ingredients like breadcrumbs and just the right seasoning make these tenders taste amazing every time.
I love making these chicken tenders at home because they feel both like a special treat and a comforting classic. I usually set up a few dipping sauces on the side—like honey mustard, ranch, or even a little BBQ sauce—for everyone to choose their favorite. It’s one of those meals where everyone gets to have fun customizing each bite, and that makes dinner feel extra cozy and late-night snack approved.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make and just how much better it tastes than store-bought frozen tenders. Plus, I always have some leftover to pop in salads or wraps the next day for a quick lunch. Honestly, homemade crispy baked chicken tenders have become a go-to recipe when I want something tasty, satisfying, and fuss-free to feed the whole family or surprise friends with.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Using fresh chicken tenders works best for this recipe. If you only have chicken breast, just slice it into strips about the size of tenders. This keeps the cooking time even and the texture tender.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give you the extra crunch and light coating you want. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the tenders won’t be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice nutty flavor and helps the crust stick better. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese if needed.
Eggs and Milk: These help the coating stick to the chicken. If you want an egg-free version, use a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour or mashed banana to help bind the breadcrumbs.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Tenders Are Crispy and Not Soggy?
Getting chicken tenders crispy in the oven needs a few tricks. Here’s what helps me every time:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Their light and airy texture crisps up nicely in the oven compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Oil or Spray the Tenders: A light drizzle or spray of oil on the coated chicken before baking makes the crust golden and crunchy.
- High Oven Temperature: Baking at 425°F (220°C) helps crisp the crust quickly without drying out the chicken inside.
- Space Them Out: Arrange your tenders so they aren’t touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate, which keeps things crispy all around.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the tenders midway helps both sides get evenly crisped.
Following these steps means crispy crust and juicy chicken that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s simple but makes a big difference in texture and taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the tenders evenly and get them crispy without frying.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Shallow bowls – perfect for holding the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture for easy dipping.
- Tongs – help you coat the chicken without making a mess and flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Wire rack (optional) – placing tenders on this over the baking sheet helps air circulate for extra crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Parmesan for shredded cheddar for a milder, creamier cheesy crust that kids often love.
- Add Cajun seasoning or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumbs for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Use ground almonds or crushed cornflakes instead of panko for a different texture and gluten-free option.
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or a few tablespoons of oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 25-30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weekday meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the tenders don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Coatings:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In another shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well.
4. Arrange and Bake:
Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with a little oil to help them get crispy in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm with your favorite dips like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders in This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before coating and baking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for a crispier crust.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or ground almonds for a gluten-free option. Just note that panko gives the crispiest texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore the crispiness rather than the microwave.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the tenders and keep them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is great for prepping in advance.
