The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tender Recipe

Chicken tenders are a family favorite, known for their versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. These delightful chicken tender recipes offer a fantastic solution for any meal, from quick weeknight dinners to fun weekend lunches. This particular recipe focuses on achieving perfectly crispy, golden-brown tenders right from your oven, making it both easy and incredibly delicious. You’ll love how simple it is to get that satisfying crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Tender Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Kid-Friendly & Universally Loved: Even picky eaters adore these tender, juicy pieces of chicken.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the flavor and crispiness without the deep-frying mess or extra oil.
• Easily Customizable Flavors: Adjust seasonings to match your family’s preferences or explore new tastes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Baking on a wire rack significantly reduces the amount of washing up afterwards.

Ingredients

To make these easy chicken tender recipes, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Using fresh, quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your crispy tenders.

• 1.5 lbs fresh chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips work perfectly if you can’t find tenders. For the breading, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko for a similar crunch. Feel free to experiment with seasonings; Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne can add exciting twists. If you don’t have eggs, milk or buttermilk make great substitutes for the egg wash.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing these crispy baked chicken tenders a breeze. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already, simplifying your cooking process and ensuring perfect results every time.

• Large baking sheet (13×18 inches)
• Wire rack, oven-safe
• Three shallow dishes or pie plates
• Tongs
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Instructions

Creating this oven-baked chicken tender recipe is a straightforward process, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy and juicy results every time. Remember to work efficiently to ensure your breading adheres well.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Chicken: Thoroughly pat the fresh chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the breading stick better and ensures maximum crispiness. Set them aside.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed. In the second dish, whisk the two large eggs until lightly beaten. In the third dish, spread out the Panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge Chicken: Working one at a time, dredge each chicken tender. First, coat it completely in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
5. Arrange Tenders: Place each breaded chicken tender in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Make sure there is ample space between each tender for even cooking and crisping. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
6. Lightly Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness without deep-frying.
7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking. Continue baking until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tender should read 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes on the wire rack. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them tender and moist. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Tenders

Achieving perfectly crispy, restaurant-quality tenders at home is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you master delicious chicken tender recipes.

• Thoroughly Pat Chicken Dry: This is the most crucial step! Moisture prevents breading from sticking, so pat your chicken tenders completely dry for the best adhesion.
• Use Panko for Superior Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are flakier and absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a much crispier coating.
• Ensure Even Spacing: Arrange tenders with space between them on the wire rack. This allows air to circulate, promoting even cooking and crisping.
• Flip Halfway: Flipping the tenders midway through baking ensures both sides become beautifully golden and evenly crispy.
• Always Check Temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting with Wet Chicken: Leads to soggy breading that slides off. Always pat dry!
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Causes steam, preventing crispiness. Give those tenders room to breathe.
• Using Too Low an Oven Temperature: Prevents the breading from browning and crisping properly. Stick to 400°F.
• Skipping the Wire Rack: Without it, the bottom of your tenders will sit in juices and become soggy.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

These versatile chicken tender recipes are perfect on their own or as part of a larger meal. Get creative with how you serve them, store leftovers, or even customize the flavors!

Serving Ideas

• Dipping Sauces: Offer a spread of honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo for dipping fun.
• Classic Sides: Pair with crispy french fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
• Creative Meals: Tuck them into warm wraps with your favorite veggies, chop them into a vibrant salad, or serve them alongside pasta with marinara sauce.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat for Crispiness: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 10-15 minutes.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Tenders: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the egg wash or flour mixture for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Crusted: Stir dried Italian herbs, fresh rosemary, or thyme into the Panko breadcrumbs for an aromatic twist.
• Parmesan Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the Panko breadcrumbs for a rich, savory flavor.
• Air Fryer Tenders: For an even quicker option, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Nutrition Information

This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal option. The estimated nutritional values per serving can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes, but this provides a general overview.

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long do chicken tenders take to bake? These crispy baked chicken tender recipes typically take 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator first, then pat them very dry before breading for the best results.
• What makes chicken tenders extra crispy? Using Panko breadcrumbs, thoroughly patting the chicken dry, baking on a wire rack, and lightly spraying with oil all contribute to superior crispiness. Research shows that Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than traditional breadcrumbs.
• What are the best dipping sauces for tenders? Classic choices include honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, and ketchup, but don’t be afraid to try sweet chili sauce or a creamy Sriracha aioli.
• Can I prepare chicken tenders ahead of time? You can bread the chicken tenders up to a few hours in advance and store them uncovered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for optimal crispiness.

Conclusion

This crispy baked chicken tender recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly approach to a family-favorite dish that everyone will adore. With minimal effort, you can achieve incredibly tender chicken with a satisfyingly crispy coating, making it one of the best chicken tender recipes for busy parents and culinary novices alike. Enjoy the versatility and ease of this fantastic meal solution tonight!

The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Tender Recipe

Discover how to make the ultimate crispy baked chicken tenders at home. This simple recipe yields perfectly golden and juicy tenders every time, ideal for a family meal or party appetizer.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Tenders

• 1.5 lb Chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tbsp Milk
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Olive oil spray as needed

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Shallow Dishes
• Whisk
• Tongs

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station. Place flour in the first, whisk eggs and milk in the second for an egg wash, and combine panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the third.

Breading and Baking

1. Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, and finally into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
2. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving

1. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken tenders are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Serve immediately for the best texture.