Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders — juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, without deep frying!
🍗 Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
⭐ Serves: 4
⏰ Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the breading station:
- Flour mixture
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Egg wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- Breadcrumb coating
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (helps with browning)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for extra crispiness.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one for the flour mix, one for the egg wash, and one for the breadcrumb mix.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each strip in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Press crumbs on firmly for a crisp coating.
- Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet or rack.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo or Sriracha ketchup
✅ Tips for Success:
- Panko breadcrumbs = crunchier coating than regular.
- Use a wire rack if possible — helps air circulate for even crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — leave space between tenders.
Would you like a gluten-free version, air fryer instructions, or a spicy twist next?