Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; Cooking spray

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making crispy baked chicken tenders because they deliver that satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. The process yields perfectly tender and juicy chicken strips, and the flavor can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. It's a simple, quick meal that I can whip up for the family on a busy weeknight or for a weekend gathering. Plus, the leftovers, if there are any, make a great addition to salads or sandwiches the next day.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-24T19:14:18.446Z

When I first decided to bake chicken tenders, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to achieve that desired crispy texture. I experimented with different breading methods and found that combining panko breadcrumbs with a bit of Parmesan cheese provides an incredible crunch that rivals traditional frying. Using the oven not only made the cleanup easier, but also kept the chicken moist and tender while achieving golden perfection.

Another tip I discovered is to make sure the chicken strips are evenly coated with the egg wash and the breading mixture. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and crunch. I also like to serve these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Golden, crunchy coating that rivals fried tenders
Juicy chicken inside that is perfectly seasoned
Healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor
Quick preparation and cooking time, great for busy nights

Mastering the Coating Technique

The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies in the coating technique. When dredging the chicken strips in the panko mixture, be sure to press firmly so the breadcrumbs adhere well. This creates a better crunch and helps prevent the coating from falling off during baking. If you find the breadcrumbs are not sticking as well as you’d like, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture for extra adhesion and flavor.

Additionally, using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs makes a significant difference. Panko is coarser and lighter, resulting in a flakier, crispier finish that enhances the overall texture of your tenders. If you prefer a gluten-free option, there are excellent gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available that work just as well.

Flavor Customization and Add-Ons

One of the best aspects of these chicken tenders is their versatility. Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste! Adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper will give a delightful kick if you enjoy a bit of heat. Alternatively, fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the flavor profile, adding a fresh note to the tenders. Whatever your preference, adjusting the seasoning can turn a simple dish into something uniquely yours.

For a fun twist, consider incorporating various textures and flavors into your dipping sauces. A sweet and spicy honey mustard or a tangy ranch pairs beautifully with the crispy tenders. To make it an even more complete meal, serve them alongside a vibrant salad or a side of roasted vegetables. This way, you can transform these tenders from a simple snack into a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Next, dredge the strips in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

Bake the Tenders

Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

Serve

Once cooked, remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken strips for a few hours in your favorite seasoning or a mixture of buttermilk and spices before breading.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers from your crispy baked chicken tenders can easily be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness during reheating, avoid microwaving; instead, reheat them in an oven or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the coating is crispy again. This will help retain the tender, juicy chicken inside while restoring the crunch that makes these tenders so appealing.

For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken strips placed in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to whip up a satisfying meal at a moment's notice.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week, scaling this recipe up is quite simple. For every additional pound of chicken, just double the amounts of the coating ingredients—panko, Parmesan, and seasonings. However, make sure to bake the tenders in batches if your baking sheet cannot accommodate them all. Overcrowding the pan can result in steaming rather than baking, which can diminish the crispiness you want.

When scaling down for fewer servings, the recipe can be easily halved, and you would still be left with perfectly tender chicken. You might also want to prepare just one egg instead of two, but remember to whisk it well to ensure even coating across the strips. Flexibly adjusting the recipe allows you to have crispy tenders on demand, whether for a solo snack or a gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ What dipping sauces do you recommend?

Enjoy these tenders with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick!