Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

I absolutely love this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because it gives you that satisfying crunch without the hassle or mess of deep frying. When I first tried baking chicken tenders with panko breadcrumbs, I was amazed how crispy and golden they turned out — just as good as my favorite takeout, but way healthier and easier to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, these tenders hit the spot every time.

You’ll find that this recipe is not only straightforward but also super customizable, which makes it a keeper in my kitchen. The combination of mayo and mustard in the batter adds a subtle tang and richness that keeps the chicken juicy inside, while the toasted panko breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch. Trust me, once you nail this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create that unbeatable crunchy crust and juicy inside. Make sure to grab good-quality panko breadcrumbs for the crunch factor, and don’t skip toasting them — it makes a big difference!

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Larger, lighter crumbs that toast up crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
• Egg: Helps the batter stick to the chicken and adds moisture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and keeps the coating from drying out.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang that balances the flavors.
• Flour: Helps thicken the batter and coat the chicken evenly.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
• Chicken Tenderloins: Naturally tender and perfect size; you can also slice chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Oil Spray: For toasting the panko and crisping the chicken in the oven.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because it’s super versatile. Once you get the basic technique down, you can easily switch up seasonings and dipping sauces to keep things fresh and exciting.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder to the batter or breadcrumbs — it gives a little kick that my family adores.
• Herbed Crust: Mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the panko for an added flavor dimension.
• Gluten-Free: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to keep this safe for gluten sensitive friends.
• Dipping Sauces: Try swapping classic honey mustard for ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy sriracha mayo for variety.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Panko for Extra Crunch

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray and give them a quick spray of oil — I hold the spray vertically to avoid blowing the crumbs everywhere (a little tip I picked up!). Toast them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. This step amplifies the crunch and sets the stage for crispy, golden tenders.

Step 2: Whisk the Batter and Coat the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayo, dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add your chicken tenderloins and toss them well to coat evenly. The mayo and mustard in the batter are game changers — they infuse moisture and a subtle tang that’ll make each bite deliciously juicy.

Step 3: Crumb Your Chicken with Toasted Panko

Using tongs, pick up each piece of battered chicken and place it into the toasted panko bowl. Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top and press lightly to make sure they stick well. I love admiring my “clean fingers” at this point — once you get a good press, your chicken will have that beautiful crispy coat. Arrange them spaced on a rack set over a baking tray for even cooking.

Step 4: Spray, Season, and Bake to Perfection

Give your crumbed chicken a light spray of oil for extra browning, and sprinkle a tiny bit of salt if you like. Then bake for 15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes for larger pieces), keeping an eye out — any longer can dry the chicken out. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also brightens the flavors wonderfully and balances the richness of the coating.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with these chicken tenders are crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges, and a crisp garden salad. Sometimes I’ll whip up a quick coleslaw or steamed green beans to round out the meal — the crunchy tenders pair so well with lighter, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or a fun twist, I like serving these in a basket lined with parchment paper alongside a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo. Kids especially love it when I stick decorative toothpicks in the tenders—it turns dinner into a little celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They keep their great crunch if you reheat them properly — no soggy nights here! Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

I’ve found it’s best to freeze the chicken tenders *before* breading, by coating them in batter and freezing them raw (but not crumbed) in a single layer on a tray, then moving to a freezer-safe bag. Crumbing after thawing works better to keep that crunch intact. Freezing crumbed tenders usually results in soggier crumbs after baking.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your tenders back into a 200°C (390°F) oven for just 3-5 minutes. This quick blast heats them through and revives the crispiness better than the microwave ever could. I steam veggies or reheat sides at the same time for a speedy meal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with serious flavor and texture. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on when you want a quick, satisfying meal that everyone loves. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you found this easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy chicken tenders without frying.

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