If you’re craving that restaurant-style crunch without the guilt of deep-frying, then Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite dinner solution. These tenders deliver all the juicy flavor and crave-worthy golden coating you love, but with a simple baking method that keeps things lighter and easier to clean up. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or just treating yourself to some classic comfort food, this recipe guarantees crispy perfection every time—and trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients for show-stopping results. Each item here is selected for the essential role it plays in making your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders truly irresistible.
- Chicken Tenders (1 1/2 pounds): Go for fresh, trimmed chicken tenders for best results—they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Ensures the chicken stays tender and slightly tangy, while helping the coating stick.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, savory depth that complements the chicken.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm color and a hint of smokiness to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to the signature extra-crispy coating.
- Regular Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Ensures an even layer of coverage and color.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Bakes into the crust for a nutty, savory bite and gorgeous golden color.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps the coating turn crisp and golden in the oven—don’t skip this step!
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix to make sure each piece is coated in that creamy, flavorful marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—if you have time to marinate overnight, even better! This step locks in juiciness and infuses every bite with amazing flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well so every crumb gets a little of that cheesy goodness. This blend is what transforms plain chicken into those iconic Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders everyone goes wild for.
Step 3: Coat the Tenders
One at a time, remove each tender from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing it on gently to help the coating really stick. Don’t be shy here—a nice, thick coating makes all the difference in texture.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil
Place your breaded tenders onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For even more crispiness, use a wire rack set over the pan. Give the tops a light spray with olive oil—this tiny step makes a huge impact on that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy Perfection
Slide your tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get deliciously golden. The tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Get ready, because your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a shower of more grated Parmesan adds a burst of color and keeps things looking extra festive. Try a squeeze of lemon for a touch of brightness, or serve with a pinch of flaky sea salt for that satisfying finish.
Side Dishes
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders pair with almost anything. For a kid-friendly meal, serve with sweet potato fries or classic potato wedges. If you want something lighter, toss together a simple green salad or a batch of roasted veggies. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces—honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue always hit the spot!
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box! Tuck these tenders into wraps with lettuce and tomato for a portable lunch, slice them over salads for a hearty meal, or pile into pitas with slaw and tzatziki for a fun Mediterranean spin. You can even skewer them for easy party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches or snacking!
Freezing
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders freeze surprisingly well. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need for a quick meal or snack.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, reheat your tenders in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy—usually about 8-10 minutes from the fridge, a bit longer if frozen. Skip the microwave if you can; the oven heat is what brings back the magic!
FAQs
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
While an overnight soak in buttermilk gives the most flavor and tenderness, even 30 minutes makes a difference. If you’re in a hurry, just let the chicken marinate while you prep the breading ingredients.
Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap both the panko and regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free varieties. The tenders will still be every bit as crispy and delicious.
Why are my tenders not getting crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch comes down to a hot oven and a light spritz of oil on the coating. Using a wire rack also helps the heat circulate for that extra crispy texture on all sides.
What dipping sauces go best with these?
The beauty of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders is their versatility—classic ranch, tangy barbecue, honey mustard, or even spicy sriracha mayo are all perfect partners. Feel free to mix and match based on what you love!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thick strips. They’ll work perfectly and taste just as fantastic with the same marinade and crunchy coating.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving family, feeding friends, or meal-prepping for the week, these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders bring irresistible crunch and flavor to the table—minus the mess and heaviness of frying. Give them a spot in your dinner line-up and watch these golden, juicy bites disappear faster than ever!
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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. They are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. Perfect for a quick and easy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat and Bake: Remove each tender from the marinade, coat in the breadcrumb mixture, and place on the baking sheet. Spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the tenders on a wire rack.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch.
- To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
