If you’ve been craving that irresistible crunch of fried chicken but want to skip the oil splatter (and guilt), these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. They’re everything you love about the classic—juicy inside, crunchy outside—but baked to golden perfection right in your oven. It’s the ultimate healthy chicken tenders recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a table of picky eaters, this easy dinner recipe is both wholesome and delicious. The best part? No deep fryer required—just your trusty oven and a few pantry staples. These oven baked chicken tenders taste so good, you might even forget they’re good for you.
Whether you’re serving them with honey mustard for the kids or pairing them with a crisp salad for yourself, this is one family meal that checks all the boxes—quick, healthy, and downright satisfying.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
These aren’t your average baked tenders—they’re crispy, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. Thanks to panko breadcrumbs and a touch of Parmesan, every bite delivers that crunch we all love. You’ll also love that they’re high in protein, oven-baked (not fried), and ready in under 30 minutes.
They’re perfect for meal prep chicken too—bake a big batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunches or snacks sorted for the week.
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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders deliver the crunch of fried chicken without the grease. Juicy on the inside and golden-crisp on the outside, these oven-baked tenders are healthier, family-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or guilt-free comfort food nights.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch strips
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
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1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
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1 tsp (5 g) paprika
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½ tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
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½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
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¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
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Olive oil spray, for coating
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.
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Prepare chicken: Slice chicken into 1-inch strips and pat dry with paper towels.
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Set up breading station: In one bowl, beat eggs. In another, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat chicken: Dip each strip in the egg, let excess drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, double dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
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Arrange and spray: Place coated tenders on the sheet or rack. Lightly spray with olive oil for that golden finish.
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Bake: Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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Check doneness: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
Panko breadcrumbs make them extra crispy.
For more flavor, add Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper.
To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes.
Freeze before or after baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch strips
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
-
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
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1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
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1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
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½ teaspoon (2.5 g) onion powder
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½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
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¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
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Olive oil spray for coating
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
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Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack on top for maximum crispiness.
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Cut the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide and pat them dry—this helps the coating stick better.
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Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece into the egg, let the excess drip off, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. For that extra crunch, double dip—yes, it’s worth it!
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Arrange and Spray: Lay the coated strips on your prepared sheet or rack, leaving space between each. Spray lightly with olive oil to help them brown beautifully.
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Bake: Pop them in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for that golden, crispy finish.
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Check Doneness: Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Serve them up with honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce—and get ready for the family to devour them!
Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken
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Use a wire rack: It keeps the tenders elevated so air can circulate underneath—no soggy bottoms here.
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Panko > regular breadcrumbs: If you want the crispiest crust, panko is your best friend.
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Double coat for extra crunch: Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice—it’s worth the extra minute.
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Don’t skip the spray: A light mist of olive oil gives that golden, fried-style finish.
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Flavor swaps: Try adding Italian seasoning or cayenne for a fun twist.
And remember—every oven is a little different, so if yours runs hot, check your tenders a few minutes early. Nobody wants crispy on the outside and Sahara-dry on the inside!
Olivia’s Little Story: From Fryer to Oven Love
I’ll admit it—I used to be a fried chicken girl through and through. But one hectic weeknight, I couldn’t face the mess of frying. So I threw some chicken tenders in the oven, crossed my fingers, and prayed for crunch. What came out was shockingly good—crispy, juicy, and flavorful without a drop of grease.
My kids declared them “better than takeout,” which, let’s be honest, is the highest praise in our household. Since then, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders have been on regular rotation at our dinner table. They’re my go-to when I want something quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing—and they freeze like a dream, making them a true meal prep chicken win.
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
These golden beauties go with just about anything. For a balanced family meal, pair them with roasted sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
If you’re going classic, serve them with French fries and a side of coleslaw—because sometimes nostalgia just wins. For a lighter touch, wrap them in lettuce leaves with avocado and ranch for an easy lunch.
And if you’re meal prepping, add them to rice bowls or chop them up for salads. They’re delicious hot, cold, or at room temp—basically, they never let you down.
How to Store and Reheat
In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Let the tenders cool, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat: For the crispiest results, pop them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes the coating soggy (and nobody likes a floppy tender!).
If you plan ahead, you can even freeze them before baking. Just bread them, place on a tray, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
FAQs About Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor—just cut them into similar-sized strips.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a dusting of rice flour before dipping into the egg for better adhesion.
Do I need to flip them while baking?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning on both sides.
Can I make them in the air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway for perfect healthy chicken tenders.
A Crunchy, Cozy Bite to End With
Every bite of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and satisfying. They’re the perfect middle ground—crunchy enough to feel indulgent but light enough for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for yourself, these oven baked chicken tenders are bound to become a household staple.
So go ahead—grab that dipping sauce, dig in, and enjoy the sound of that first crunchy bite. (It’s basically applause for your cooking.)
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