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Easy • Chicken

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders in the oven without the fuss of frying.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Craving classic chicken tenders but want to skip the deep-frying mess? Look no further! These crispy baked chicken tenders are surprisingly easy to make and come out perfectly golden and juicy every time. They're a kid-friendly favorite that adults will love too, and they're ready to dip in your favorite sauce!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch wide strips)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., honey mustard, BBQ, ranch)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil.

  2. Step 2

    Set up a dredging station: Place flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk the egg. In a third shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tenderloin first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

  4. Step 4

    Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). If you want extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.

  6. Step 6

    Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips

  • Using a wire rack helps air circulate, ensuring all sides of the tenders get crispy.
  • For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Ensure chicken is patted very dry before dredging; this helps the breading stick better.

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