Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

These homemade chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, baked until golden and crunchy. Perfect for family dinners, kids’ meals, or a healthier alternative to fast food.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (to mix with breadcrumbs for golden color)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, slice them into even strips.
2. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
3. Season all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Prepare coating stations

1. Flour bowl: Place flour in one shallow dish.
2. Egg wash: Whisk eggs and milk together in a second dish.
3. Breadcrumbs mix: In a third dish, combine panko, Parmesan, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. (Mix well so the oil coats the crumbs — this makes them bake up golden instead of pale.)

Step 3: Bread the chicken

1. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip into the egg wash.
3. Press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated on all sides.
4. Place coated tenders onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Optional for extra crispiness: Place under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with dipping sauces: honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Pair with fries, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Best Results

• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
• Don’t skip adding olive oil to the breadcrumbs — it helps with browning in the oven.
• For an extra juicy result, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
• If you have an air fryer, you can cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.