Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a simple, crowd-pleasing favorite with juicy chicken inside and a golden, crunchy coating on the outside. These tenders get their perfect crispiness from a light breading and a quick bake in the oven, making them a healthier but still super tasty alternative to fried chicken.
I love making these because they come together so easily, and I always feel good about serving them to my family. A little secret I use is to double-coat the chicken pieces for some extra crunch, and a sprinkle of seasoning in the breading makes all the difference. Plus, there’s no messy frying involved, so cleanup is a breeze!
My favorite way to enjoy these crispy tenders is with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce and some fresh cut veggies for a balanced meal. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, packed in a lunchbox, or even served at casual get-togethers. Once you try making them at home, I bet they’ll become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Using chicken tenders makes this dish quick and easy. You can also use chicken breasts sliced into strips for a similar result. Just be sure to keep them about the same size for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Cornflakes: Panko gives a light, crispy texture. Adding crushed cornflakes is optional but adds extra crunch. If you don’t have cornflakes, try crushed crackers or plain breadcrumbs for a similar effect.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of cayenne add great flavor and warmth. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste or swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if needed.
Olive Oil or Butter: Drizzling a little oil or melted butter over the tenders before baking helps them brown and crisp up. Olive oil is a healthy choice, but melted butter adds a nice rich flavor.
How Can I Get the Chicken Tenders Extra Crispy in the Oven?
Getting that crispy coating without frying can be tricky but is totally doable with these tips:
- Dry the chicken well: Patting the chicken dry removes moisture that can make the coating soggy.
- Double coat: After dipping in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
- Use a wire rack: Baking the tenders on a wire rack lets air circulate all around for even crisping.
- Drizzle oil or butter: A light coating of oil or butter before baking encourages golden-brown crusts.
- High heat baking: Bake at 425°F for a short time to crisp the outside without drying the chicken inside.
Following these steps helps you get that perfect crunch with less oil and fuss!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the tenders in one place while they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or wire rack – prevents sticking and helps air circulate for a crispier crust.
- Three shallow bowls – makes it easy to organize flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and water smoothly for an even coating.
- Tongs or fork – handy for dipping and turning the chicken tenders without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey tenders for a leaner option that still crisps up well.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy, salty boost.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the coating for fresh flavor.
- Try smoked paprika and chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist when you want more heat.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
For The Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely crushed cornflakes (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (to drizzle on top)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15–20 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy meal you can whip up in about 35 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on it—this helps the chicken crisp up by allowing air to circulate underneath.
2. Get Your Breading Ready
Set up three shallow bowls: put the flour in the first, whisk together eggs and water in the second, and mix the panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in the third.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dredge each piece in flour, shaking off extra. Then dip into the egg wash, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispy tenders, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
4. Bake Until Crispy and Cooked Through
Place the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Drizzle or spray olive oil or melted butter over them to help with browning. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked inside (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C).
5. Finish and Serve
Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken tenders in the refrigerator overnight before breading and baking. Pat them dry well to help the coating stick and get crispy.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bread the chicken tenders, then place them on a baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for quick meals on busy days.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to help maintain their crispiness.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces to Serve with These?
Some favorites include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Pick your favorite or mix it up depending on your mood!