Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders: The Easiest Recipe EVER

Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack! Who doesn’t love a good chicken tender? But let’s be honest, the store bought versions often leave something to be desired. That’s why I’m sharing this recipe for Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders. They are healthier, tastier, and surprisingly easy to make. Baking, not frying, these tenders gives you all the crispiness without the excess oil.

Why You Will Love This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it offers that familiar comfort food experience in a healthy and fulfilling way. We’re baking, not frying, so you can savor the crispiness guilt free!

Second, it’s incredibly quick and easy to throw together. Ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying, yet don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The flavor? Unbeatable! The crispy coating seals in the juicy chicken, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

What makes these chicken tenders truly special is the combination of simple ingredients and a meticulous baking process. Each bite is a perfect symphony of crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, offering an eating experience that is both comforting and extraordinary.
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Ingredients Needed for This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips

• For the Brine (Optional, but recommended):

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

• For the Dredging:

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs

How to Make This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

1. Brine the Chicken (Optional): In a large bowl, dissolve salt and sugar in water. Add chicken strips and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine (if using) and pat dry with paper towels. One at a time, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
7. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve Immediately!

Thinking about leftovers? Consider using these Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders in place of rotisserie chicken in some of the Recipes For Leftover Rotisserie Chicken. You can also easily serve these on top of Baked Ziti for extra protein!

How to Serve This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or a tangy sriracha mayo.

Pair them with classic sides such as french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Looking for something more substantial? You can stuff them into soft tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings for delicious chicken tender wraps.

These treats work wonderfully atop a fresh bed of greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

How to Store This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

To store, let the chicken tenders cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Refrigerated chicken tenders will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen chicken tenders to a freezer safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, bake the refrigerated or frozen chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy once more. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes for refrigerated and 20-25 minutes for frozen tenders. You can also use an air fryer for reheating for a quick and crispy result.

Tips to Make This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Want to take your Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders to the next level? Here are a few tips:

Use chicken tenderloins for a more uniform size and faster cooking time. If using chicken breasts, make sure to cut them into evenly sized strips so they cook evenly.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before dredging.

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs but the texture won’t be as crispy. However, if you like a little extra kick, you can add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture!

To ensure the breadcrumbs stick well, pat the chicken strips dry before dredging them in the flour. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere.

Want to be a real chef? Consider making a Homemade Fish Food Guide for your scales friends!

Helpful Notes for This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the chicken tenders. This helps to promote even cooking and crisping of the breadcrumbs.

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken tenders to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy breading. If necessary, bake in batches.

If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register 165°F or 74°C to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Variation of This Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little heat!

Give it an Italian Twist by adding some grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the panko mixture in place of the parmesan!

Try using different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or dried thyme, instead of italian herbs.

For a gluten free version, use gluten free all purpose flour and gluten free panko breadcrumbs.

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Conclusion

These Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. It is a meal that is sure to please everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these flavor packed, crispy chicken tenders. Happy cooking!

Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders: The Easiest Recipe EVER

Crispy baked chicken tenders, a healthier and delicious alternative to the fried version. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs

Instructions

1. 1. In a large bowl, dissolve salt and sugar in water. Add chicken strips and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. 2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
4. 4. Remove the chicken from the brine (if using) and pat dry with paper towels. One at a time, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
5. 5. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other.
6. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
7. 7. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Brining the chicken is optional, but recommended.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
• To ensure the breadcrumbs stick well, pat the chicken strips dry before dredging them in the flour.