Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a childhood favorite, reimagined for the modern kitchen. My grandmother used to make the most amazing fried chicken, but I wanted a healthier, quicker version that didn’t sacrifice any of that satisfying crunch. That’s how these Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders were born!
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These aren't just any baked chicken tenders, they're a crispy, juicy, flavor packed delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. I remember testing this recipe out on my family, and even the pickiest eaters couldn't get enough. It's the perfect weeknight meal, easily customizable, and so much better than anything you'll find in the freezer aisle. The best part is it's easily accessible, you can even check out this Recipes For Leftover Rotisserie Chicken guide!
Why You Will Love This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights. It's comfort food at its finest, ready in under an hour. The crispy coating is unbelievably satisfying, and the chicken stays juicy and tender inside.
What I love most is that it’s a recipe that everyone enjoys, from adults to kids. It's easy to adapt to different tastes. Plus, baking them instead of frying means less mess and a healthier meal. With minimal effort, you get maximum flavor and happy faces all around.
Ingredients Needed for This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Here is a list of what you'll need to create these fantastic chicken tenders:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
How to Make This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ready to make some magic happen? Follow these simple steps for perfect Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders every time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, Italian herbs, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. This is our crispy coating mixture!
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- In a third bowl, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat all sides evenly. This is the key to that perfect crisp! You can also check out this guide on Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders for extra tips!
- Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Drizzle the chicken tenders with the olive oil. This adds extra flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake for 1520 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Turn the tenders halfway through baking for even browning. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides.
Pair them with classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. For a healthier option, try steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or quinoa. They're also fantastic served with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. For a fun twist, serve them in wraps or on top of salads! You can also compliment this with a Baked Ziti Recipe No Meat for a complete Italian experience!
How to Store This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Proper storage is key to keeping your chicken tenders fresh and delicious!
To refrigerate: Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 34 days. To freeze: Place the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 12 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 23 months. To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 1015 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.
Tips to Make This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Want to make sure your chicken tenders are perfect every time? Here are some helpful tips:
For extra crispy tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which creates a great crunch. Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can result in steamed chicken rather than crispy. For even cooking, cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips.
Ingredient swaps: You can substitute gluten free flour for all-purpose flour. Also, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko. Using air fryer also adds extra crispness to the recipe.
Helpful Notes for This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
A few extra notes for success:
Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the chicken tenders. This ensures even cooking and a crispy coating. Don't overbake the chicken, as it can become dry. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more or less garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs.
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Variation of This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Here are some fun ways to customize this Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders recipe:
Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the breadcrumb coating. Create a lemon herb version by adding lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Make buffalo chicken tenders by tossing the baked tenders in your favorite buffalo sauce.
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