Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely love sinking your teeth into these golden, crunchy delights – this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is my go-to when I want that perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken without the mess of frying. They come out so crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and because they’re baked, you feel a little less guilty while indulging. Trust me, once you try this recipe you’ll keep coming back for these tenders again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in crafting this crunchy perfection. From the panko breadcrumbs that pack the extra crunch to the freshly grated parmesan that adds a savory punch, you’ll find these ingredients work so harmoniously together. Pro tip: grab good-quality panko and fresh parmesan for the best results.

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast: Choose tender chicken strips or slice breasts yourself; room temperature helps them cook evenly.
• Flour: This gives that first dry coating for the egg to stick well.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Their light, airy texture is key for the crispiness.
• Butter: Melting it into the breadcrumbs before baking enhances flavor and browning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a subtle cheesy depth.
• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb layer stick well.
• Milk: Thins the egg to make the dip easier.
• Spices (Paprika, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): This spice mix packs layers of flavor and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
• Oil Spray: A light coat helps the tenders crisp up beautifully in the oven without extra grease.

Variations

I love making this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe my own by switching up spices or dipping sauces – it keeps things fun and lets you tailor it to your mood or occasion. If you want to go gluten-free or add a bit of smoky flavor, there are easy tweaks you can try too.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped regular flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives with great success — just keep an eye on the breading to avoid burning.
• Spicy Kick: When friends come over and I want to spice things up, I add a little cayenne or chipotle powder to the breadcrumb mix.
• Herb-Infused: Sometimes I toss in dried oregano or thyme into the seasoning blend for an herby touch.
• Dipping Sauces: My family goes crazy for buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a cool ranch dip – feel free to mix and match.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs with Butter

This step is my secret weapon to getting that irresistible crispy texture. Melt a heaped tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat, then stir in the panko breadcrumbs. Keep tossing them for about 5 minutes until they turn a light golden color. This toasting adds richness and helps lock in crunchiness later. Remove from heat and set aside to cool – be careful not to burn them!

Step 2: Prep Your Spice Mix and Bowls

While the breadcrumbs cool, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Then mix together your spices: paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Set up three bowls – flour mixed with a bit of the spice mix, beaten egg thinned with milk, and finally the toasted panko breadcrumbs combined with parmesan and the remaining spices. This assembly line approach makes breading quick and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken Tenders

Time for the fun part! Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, and finally into the parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to fully coat. Don’t rush this part – a thorough coat spells the difference between soggy and crispy. If you notice spots that look thinly coated, give them an extra press of crumbs. Repeat with all your tenders.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated tenders on a baking tray lined with a wire rack if you have one—this keeps air circulating so the bottoms crisp up too. If you don’t have a rack, just make sure to space the tenders out well so steam doesn’t make them soggy. Lightly spray the tops with oil to encourage browning, then pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t burn. When they’re golden and cooked through, pull them out and let them rest on a cooling rack for a few minutes. This little pause lets all the steam escape and locks in crispiness!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra parmesan or chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving also brightens the whole dish beautifully — you’ll notice it really lifts all those warm, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

These tenders go great with just about anything but I especially love pairing them with classic sides like crispy oven fries, a fresh green salad, or some creamy coleslaw. On chilly days, a warm bowl of mac and cheese makes for a perfect comfort meal alongside them.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these tenders on a big platter surrounded by mini dipping bowls of honey mustard, ranch, and spicy buffalo sauce – everyone gets to pick their fave. I once stacked them in a “finger-food tower” lined with parchment — it’s such a crowd-pleaser and looks super fun on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool completely, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days and make fantastic lunchbox fillers or quick snacks.

Freezing

I often freeze batches of these after baking and cooling — just wrap them tightly or freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze when life gets busy.

Reheating

To reheat and bring back that crispiness, I recommend warming in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes instead of the microwave, which tends to make the coating soggy. This way you get that fresh-from-the-oven crunch all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe brings together easy prep, wholesome ingredients, and that perfect crispiness that everyone craves. It’s become one of those recipes I reach for when I want a crowd-pleaser that’s not only tasty but also less fuss and mess than frying. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — they have a way of bringing people back to the kitchen for “just one more.” So, next time you want a quick, delicious, and crunchy chicken fix, give this recipe a try and prepare to wow your taste buds!

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