Description
A crispy, flavorful baked chicken tenders recipe ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners without frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680g) chicken tenders
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for GF)
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt to taste (about ¾ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for coating
- Optional add-ins: hot sauce or cayenne pepper, dried herbs like thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper combined.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, coating fully.
- Press the tender into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides firmly but without clumping.
- Place coated tenders on the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. If no wire rack, flip at 8 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer tenders to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Baking on a wire rack helps crisp all sides. Lightly spray with oil before baking for golden crust. Flip tenders halfway through baking for even browning. Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for thicker crust. Pat chicken dry before breading to prevent sogginess. Avoid reheating in microwave to keep breading crispy; reheat in skillet or oven instead. Freezing not recommended as breading may become soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: baked chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken, kid-friendly chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken tenders