Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

I absolutely love this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, without all the mess and calories of frying. When I first tried baking instead of frying my chicken tenders, I was skeptical about how crispy they would get—but to my surprise, these tenders come out golden, crunchy, and totally satisfying every single time.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something delicious yet easy to eat. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike gobble up, making it a go-to that never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to achieve that crave-worthy crunch and juicy flavor combo. Having good quality panko breadcrumbs really makes the difference—here’s why!

• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs are larger and airier, giving the tenders a fantastic crispy texture that’s hard to beat.
• Oil spray: Helps toast the panko evenly and crisp up the chicken without deep frying.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the batter and breadcrumbs on the chicken.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the chicken tender.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang that brightens the flavor without overpowering.
• Flour: Helps thicken the batter so it clings nicely to the chicken.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural chicken flavor and crisps.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
• Chicken tenderloins or sliced chicken breast: Tenderloins are perfect, but slicing breast meat works just as well for even cooking.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what’s in the pantry or to suit dietary needs. Feel free to customize this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe to fit your style—experimenting with flavors is half the fun!

• Spicy Kick: I’ve tossed in cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat that my family loves, especially when paired with ranch dipping sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: I swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes—works just as well and maintains the crunch.
• Herbed Crunch: Adding dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley to the panko adds a pop of freshness and complexity without much effort.
• Different Proteins: Have you tried this method on turkey strips or even tofu cubes? The same crispy and juicy vibe applies!

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko for Extra Crunch

Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 390°F). Spread the panko evenly across a baking tray and give it a light spray of oil—an important tip I learned is to spray vertically to avoid the panko blowing off. Bake for just 3 to 5 minutes until you see a lovely light golden color emerging. This little step transforms the panko into the super-crispy topping that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. This batter is key because it’s not just for coating—it keeps every tender juicy and gives a flavorful base for the breadcrumbs to stick tightly. Throw your chicken pieces into the batter and toss until fully coated.

Step 3: Crumb the Chicken Tendors to Perfection

Using tongs (trust me, it keeps your hands cleaner and more even), transfer each battered chicken strip into the toasted panko bowl. Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs over the top and gently press so they adhere well. Then place the crumbed tenders on a baking tray fitted with a rack if you have one—it helps air circulate and crisps the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Oil Spray and Bake

Give the assembled tenders a light spray of oil and, if you like, a pinch more salt. Bake them for 15 minutes for medium-sized tenders, or up to 20 minutes if they’re on the larger side. Overbaking will dry out the chicken, so keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they stay juicy inside and crispy outside.

Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

As soon as they come out of the oven, serve with your favorite dipping sauces—honey mustard or ranch are my go-to’s, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the perfect touch. I love serving these up as a party appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a speedy meal.

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor—it adds just enough herbal freshness without competing with the crunchy tenders. Sometimes a little lemon zest over the top gives a surprising zing I adore.

Side Dishes

For me, these tenders pair incredibly well with simple sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad. On more laid-back days, a creamy mac and cheese or buttery mashed potatoes make the meal feel a little indulgent and oh-so comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these chicken tenders on a big platter with colorful vegetable crudités and multiple dip bowls placed around. Another favorite is serving them in mini slider buns with crunchy pickles for a fun finger-food twist everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I store leftovers, I let the chicken tenders cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, staying surprisingly crispy if reheated the right way. I avoid stacking the tenders directly to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I personally don’t recommend freezing the raw crumbed chicken because the texture tends to suffer. However, freezing leftover cooked tenders works fine if you separate them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is to pop them back in a hot oven at 200°C (390°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives the crispiness and warms them evenly without drying the inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken tenders without the hassle and mess of deep frying. I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels so special every time I serve it. If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly recipe that’s both healthier and incredibly tasty, I can’t recommend this one enough—give it a try and watch your loved ones ask for seconds!

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