Chicken tenders coated in a golden, crunchy breading bring pure comfort to any meal.
Crispy baked breaded chicken tenders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Every bite promises a satisfying crunch that makes dinner exciting.
Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques create these delectable morsels.
You’ll love how quickly these tenders come together in your kitchen.
The coating locks in moisture while providing an irresistible exterior.
Serve these crowd-pleasing tenders alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 310 kcal
Servings: 5
Crispy Ingredients For Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
For Proteins:
Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat that becomes crispy and juicy when breaded, selecting fresh, high-quality tenders ensures the best flavor and texture.
For Coating Base:
Eggs, Milk: Creates a sticky binding layer that helps breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to chicken, ensuring a crisp and even coating.
For Crispy Exterior:
Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Delivers golden, crunchy exterior with rich savory notes, panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness and aged Parmesan adds depth of flavor.
For Seasoning:
Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Infuses layers of warm, zesty, and aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile of the chicken tenders.
For Preparation:
Cooking Spray: Helps achieve beautiful golden-brown color and prevents sticking, promoting even browning and easier cleanup.
For Serving:
Dipping Sauce: Complements the crispy chicken with additional flavor, offering personalized taste experience.
Helpful Tools For Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for cooking in the oven.
Shallow bowls (2): For mixing egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
Whisk: To blend eggs and milk smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cooking spray: To help chicken brown and prevent sticking.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping chicken tenders midway through baking.
Meat thermometer (optional): To check chicken's internal temperature.
Steps To Perfect Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Warm Up The Oven Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper or a quick spray of cooking oil.
Create Flavor Coating Whip up a tasty egg wash by mixing eggs and milk in one bowl. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a mouthwatering crust.
Dress Your Chicken Dunk each tender into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to help the coating stick like a delicious armor.
Prepare For Baking Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Give them a light spray of cooking oil to help achieve that gorgeous golden color.
Bake To Perfection Pop the tray into the hot oven and cook for 18-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through to ensure even browning and a perfectly crispy exterior. They're done when they reach a safe internal temperature and have a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Serve And Enjoy Pull out your delectable chicken tenders and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for a crispy, juicy meal that'll make everyone at the table happy!
Tips For Crunchier Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Crispy Coating Trick: Crush cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior that gives a delightful texture and satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and bread chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance, then store covered in the refrigerator before baking for convenient meal prep.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor.
Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch powder, Italian herbs, or Cajun spices to transform the basic chicken tenders into exciting taste adventures.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground nuts for a protein-packed coating that keeps the carbohydrate count low while maintaining a crispy exterior.
How To Serve Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Just Right
Picnic Party Platter: Arrange these golden chicken tenders on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Family Game Night Feast: Serve these crispy tenders alongside french fries, coleslaw, and fresh veggie sticks for a fun and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Lunch Box Champion: Pack cooled tenders in a lunch container with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a small dipping sauce container for a delicious midday meal that stays crispy and tasty.
Movie Munch Delight: Create a casual dinner setup with these chicken tenders, soft dinner rolls, corn on the cob, and a fresh garden salad for a comforting weekend movie night feast.
How To Store Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders The Easy Way
Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of chicken tenders and freeze extra portions in airtight containers. These ready-to-heat meals save precious time during busy weeknights and provide quick protein options.
Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover chicken tenders in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Arrange tenders in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms. Consume within recommended timeframe for optimal taste and food safety.
Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated tenders in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore original crunchiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make breading soft and chicken rubbery. Spread tenders on a baking sheet for even warming.
Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Frozen tenders maintain quality for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Crispy oven-baked chicken tenders deliver golden, herb-seasoned perfection with crunchy panko coating. Simple preparation and quick cooking make this classic comfort dish a family favorite you’ll enjoy making repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders, boneless and skinless
2 large eggs
2 tbsps milk
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
Preheat Preparation: Set the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Coating Preparation: Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow dish, then blend breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl for a flavorful breading.
Breading Technique: Immerse each chicken tender completely in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, crisp layer.
Baking Configuration: Arrange the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to promote optimal crispiness, and lightly mist with cooking spray to enhance golden browning.
Cooking Process: Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform cooking and color, until the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestion: Transfer the golden-brown tenders immediately to a serving plate, pairing with your favorite dipping sauce for a mouthwatering meal.
Notes
Prevent Soggy Breading: Ensure breadcrumbs are completely dry and fresh to maintain maximum crispiness, avoiding moisture that can make coating soggy.
Maximize Coating Adhesion: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels before dipping in egg mixture to help breading stick more effectively and create a more uniform layer.
Temperature Precision: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before breading to promote even cooking and prevent cold spots that might result in uneven texture.
Customize Seasoning Flexibility: Experiment with alternative spice blends like Italian herbs, ranch seasoning, or smoked paprika to personalize the chicken tenders’ flavor profile and match different dietary preferences.
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen