Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Oven-Fried Favorite

Golden, crispy, and oven-baked to perfection—these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone who loves the crunch of fried chicken without the extra oil. The secret? Toasting the breadcrumbs before coating gives you that unbeatable texture while keeping things light and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the crispiness of deep-fried chicken tenders—without the mess or calories. By toasting the panko breadcrumbs beforehand, you get an incredibly golden and crunchy coating. The batter is simple yet flavorful, ensuring each bite is juicy and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even meal prepping, this is your new go-to chicken tender recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Breadcrumb
panko breadcrumbs
oil spray

Batter
egg
mayonnaise
dijon mustard (or other mustard)
flour
salt
black pepper

Chicken
chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast cut into slices)
oil spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced).

2. Toast the panko: Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 3–5 minutes until golden. Transfer to a bowl.

3. Set up your tray: Place a rack on a baking tray (optional, but helps even baking).

4. Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper.

5. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken to the batter and toss to coat completely.

6. Crumb the chicken: Use tongs to transfer each piece to the bowl of panko. Sprinkle more crumbs over the top and press gently to ensure even coverage. Place on the tray.

7. Spray and season: Lightly spray the crumbed tenders with oil. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra salt.

8. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes if your pieces are larger). Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.

9. Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Honey Mustard or Ranch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3–4 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy tenders: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the batter for some heat.

• Parmesan crusted: Mix finely grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs for an added savory twist.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko and flour.

• Herb-seasoned: Stir dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the panko for a herby crust.

• Air fryer method: Cook at 200°C/390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crispness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 200°C/390°F for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.

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FAQs

What makes these baked chicken tenders so crispy?

Toasting the panko breadcrumbs before coating the chicken gives them a jump start in crisping up during baking, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but the texture will be softer. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier, creating a much crispier crust.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the batter?

Yes, the mayonnaise helps the batter cling to the chicken and adds moisture, ensuring the tenders stay juicy while baking.

Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and coat the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge and bake just before serving.

How can I keep the chicken tenders from drying out?

Avoid overbaking. Stick to the recommended time based on the size of your chicken pieces, and don’t skip the batter—it locks in moisture.

Are these chicken tenders suitable for kids?

Absolutely! They’re crispy, flavorful, and oven-baked, making them a healthier and kid-friendly meal option.

What sauces pair well with these tenders?

Honey Mustard and Ranch are classic options, but they also go great with BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Freezing raw tenders isn’t recommended. If you’ve already baked them, you can freeze the cooked tenders and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Do I have to use a wire rack?

No, it’s optional, but using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, which helps bake them evenly and stay crispy on all sides.

How do I make these tenders low-carb?

Swap the panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

Conclusion

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer—easy, healthier than fried, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them with a salad, fries, or your favorite dipping sauce, they deliver serious crunch with minimal fuss. Try them once, and they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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