Enjoy a crispy, golden-brown exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. Our baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried versions, packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying dinner!
Baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders, and they are just as delicious! This recipe is easy to follow, and it can be made in just 30 minutes. Baked chicken tenders are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal or served as a party appetizer.
We love putting these tenders on top of salads, in wraps and tacos, and served with roasted veggies. This quick and easy chicken recipe is great for busy weeknights, meal prep, and leftovers!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow, and it can be made in about 30 minutes.
Healthy: Baked chicken tenders are a healthier option than fried chicken tenders. They are lower in calories, fat, and sodium.
Flavorful: Baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are also very versatile, and they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Kid-friendly: Baked chicken tenders are a great option for kids. They are easy to eat, and they are a good source of protein.
Check out these Chicken Recipes and these Chicken Breast Recipes for more great ideas!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients for these oven baked chicken tenders. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
First, use chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, cut into long thin strips.
For the breading, we love using whole wheat breadcrumbs. Feel free to use gluten free if needed.
Parmesan cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor. If you are dairy free, omit.
Season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Use eggs to create an egg bath. This allows the breading to stick to the chicken better.
Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray before baking. This makes them slightly more crispy.
Taste & Texture
Baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They are also very flavorful and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
The breading gives the chicken a delicious flavor and crispy texture.
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Step 4
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5
Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these oven baked chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or a light ranch!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best baked chicken tenders.
Use boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts: This will help the chicken tenders cook evenly.
Cut the chicken tenders into uniform pieces: This will also help the chicken tenders cook evenly.
Use a good quality breadcrumb mix: The breading mix will help the chicken tenders get crispy.
Bake the chicken tenders until they are cooked through: The chicken tenders should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Add some spice: You can add some spice to the chicken tenders by adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading.
Add some flavor: You can add some flavor to the chicken tenders by adding some herbs or spices to the breading.
Try this Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast for a fun flavor!
How to Serve & Store
Baked chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or ranch dressing. Try our homemade ketchup too!
ggThey can also be served with a side of vegetables or fruit. We love serving them with smashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.p to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness without drying them out.
Popular choices include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and spicy buffalo sauce. Pick your favorite!
Equipment Needed
Knife Set: Use sharp knives to slice the chicken.
You May Also Enjoy
If you enjoyed this baked chicken tender recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.
