Easy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe You Can Try

Baked chicken tenders recipe lovers, this one’s for you. If you’ve been searching for a healthier way to enjoy crunchy, golden chicken without frying, you’ll be glad you found this. The secret lies in toasting the breadcrumbs before baking, which guarantees a crisp finish every single time. With a simple batter that doubles as both a flavor booster and crumb glue, these tenders stay juicy inside while achieving a crunchy crust outside.Whether you’re feeding kids, cooking for friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a quick, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again. This baked chicken tenders recipe is all about crunch without the fryer, making it a healthy win.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings people together. There’s something about a tray of golden, oven-baked tenders coming out of the oven that makes everyone drift toward the kitchen. The smell of toasty breadcrumbs and tender chicken fills the air, and before you know it, the whole family’s gathered around the table, dipping and sharing. It’s simple, satisfying, and so easy to make that it turns even a busy weeknight into something special.If you’ve ever wished for the perfect balance between crispy and wholesome, this baked chicken tenders recipe might just become your new go-to comfort meal.

Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, golden baked chicken tenders with juicy meat inside and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. A healthier alternative to fried tenders, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, kids’ meals, or game-day snacks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 3 people

Calories 416 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Oven Preheated to 390°F (200°C)
• 1 Baking tray Use with a rack if available
• 1 Wire rack Optional, helps chicken crisp evenly
• 2 Mixing bowls One for batter, one for breadcrumbs
• 1 Tongs For dipping chicken without messy fingers
• 1 Whisk or fork To combine batter ingredients
• — Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient amounts
• 1 Oil spray bottle For misting breadcrumbs and chicken

Ingredients

  

Breadcrumbs

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• — spray oil spray

Batter

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard (or any mustard)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• — to taste black pepper

Chicken

• 500 g /1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast sliced lengthwise 2/3" thick)
• — spray oil spray

Optional Dipping Sauce (Honey Mustard)

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1–2 tsp lemon juice
• — pinch salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Toast breadcrumbs on tray for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.
• Whisk egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper to make batter.
• Coat chicken pieces in batter using tongs.
• Press chicken into toasted breadcrumbs, coating evenly.
• Place on rack over tray. Spray lightly with oil.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and 165°F inside.
• Serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice.

Notes

Toast the breadcrumbs ahead for maximum crunch, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For make-ahead prep, you can coat the chicken with batter and refrigerate overnight, then crumb and bake the next day. To reheat leftovers, place tenders in a hot oven for 3–5 minutes to bring back their crispy coating. Greek yogurt can replace mayo in the batter, and adding Parmesan, paprika, or cayenne gives extra flavor.

Hi, I’m Matt a dad of two who learned to cook with my grandfather. This baked chicken tenders recipe is one of my kids’ favorites because it’s crispy, juicy, and healthier than fried.

Keyword baked chicken tenders recipe

The Story Behind My Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why This Recipe Became a Favorite

• Some of my strongest childhood memories come from standing in my grandfather’s kitchen, watching him cook with quiet patience. He showed me that the simplest meals, made with care and love, could bring people together. I can still remember the slow rhythm of those afternoons the soft crackle of the pan, the smell of butter melting, and the way sunlight filtered through the window onto his wooden cutting board. Cooking with him wasn’t just about food; it was about learning to slow down, to pay attention, and to pour love into everything we made.
• Years later, as a dad of two, I wanted to recreate that feeling with something simple but special a baked chicken tenders recipe that carried the warmth of those memories yet fit into our busy family life. I wanted a dish that my kids would get excited about, one that felt homemade and comforting but didn’t require deep-frying or complicated steps. The first time I pulled these golden tenders from the oven, their laughter filled the kitchen, just like my grandfather’s hum once did. It reminded me that the best recipes aren’t just about flavor they’re about connection. That’s why this baked chicken tenders recipe will always hold a special place in my heart and on our dinner table.

How This Recipe Keeps It Simple

• Unlike other recipes that leave you with sticky fingers and a messy counter, this one uses a quick batter that works like magic. The batter wraps around each piece of chicken, helping the breadcrumbs stick firmly so every bite stays crunchy. By toasting the crumbs in advance, you get that deep-fried look and crunch without all the oil. It’s become such a hit that even friends who once swore by takeout now make this baked chicken tenders recipe at home. Pair them with a honey mustard dip, and you’ll understand why it’s been called “life-changing” more than once.
• If you enjoy easy family meals, you’ll love trying my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets or even my Asian Salmon Recipe alongside these tenders for the perfect dinner spread.

Making the Crispiest Baked Chicken Tenders

The Secret to Golden Breadcrumbs

• The crunch is what sets this baked chicken tenders recipe apart. The secret to perfect crunch is starting with panko that’s lightly browned in the oven before it ever touches the chicken. This small step transforms pale crumbs into golden, nutty, crisp perfection. Once they’re baked onto the chicken, the tenders look and taste like they came out of a fryer without the oil bath. By spreading the crumbs on a tray and misting them with oil, you get evenly browned results that cling beautifully to the chicken. The crunch is what keeps people coming back to this baked chicken tenders recipe week after week.
• What’s remarkable about this step is how it transforms something ordinary into something irresistible. You can literally hear the difference when the tenders come out of the oven that gentle crackle when you tap the coating, the golden color catching the light just right. It’s the kind of sound that makes everyone peek into the kitchen, wondering when dinner will be ready. That toasted panko doesn’t just bring texture; it adds depth, a subtle nutty aroma that fills your kitchen and makes every bite feel like a small reward for skipping the fryer.

The Quick Batter That Works Like Magic

• Instead of the usual messy three-step dredging system, this recipe uses a one-bowl batter. A mix of egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour, and seasoning creates a thick coating that clings to every piece. This batter brings extra flavor, helps the crumbs cling tightly, and keeps your hands free from the usual mess. Unlike other methods, this baked chicken tenders recipe uses a single quick batter instead of three messy bowls. What makes this baked chicken tenders recipe unique is how mess-free the batter process is. Once the chicken is coated, use tongs to dip it into the toasted panko, press lightly, and set it on the rack. The last step is giving the coated chicken a quick mist of oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Fifteen minutes later, you’ll have tenders that crunch when you bite and stay juicy inside.
• The beauty of this method is its simplicity. No stress, no clutter just reliable, golden results every single time. It’s one of those little kitchen victories that make you feel like a pro without the extra effort.
• For another family favorite, my Barbecue Beef Sandwiches are always a hit, while these Kielbasa Crockpot Recipes make a hearty side for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Variations and Dipping Sauces for Baked Chicken Tenders

Flavor Variations to Try

• One of the best things about this baked chicken tenders recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. The base recipe gives you that irresistible crunch, but the flavor possibilities are endless. For a spicy version, add a touch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the batter it gives the chicken a bold kick that pairs perfectly with creamy dips. If you love classic comfort, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs into the breadcrumbs for a rich, savory coating. Want something fresh and light? Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the batter and sprinkle lemon zest over the finished tenders. That’s the beauty of this baked chicken tenders recipe it’s adaptable, foolproof, and always satisfying.
• You can even take it international. Add curry powder for a hint of Indian warmth, a drizzle of soy sauce for a subtle Asian twist, or cumin and lime zest for a bright, southwestern-style version. Each variation brings new life to this baked chicken tenders recipe, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or party platters that everyone loves to snack on.

Dips That Make Them Shine

• No baked chicken tenders recipe is complete without the perfect dip. The crispy coating practically begs to be paired with something creamy or tangy. A homemade honey mustard dip adds that sweet-and-sharp balance that highlights every crunchy bite. For something cool and herby, ranch dressing is a reliable favorite, especially for kids. If you’re into bolder flavors, try a spicy buffalo dip, sriracha mayo, or even a garlicky yogurt sauce for a lighter touch.
• For a fun twist, pair these tenders with marinara or barbecue sauce it gives the baked chicken tenders recipe a comforting, pizza-like edge that’s perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. The versatility of this recipe means every sauce transforms the dish into something new. Whether you like sweet, spicy, or tangy flavors, this baked chicken tenders recipe provides the perfect crunchy base for dipping, sharing, and enjoying with family.
• If you love dipping, my Clear Soup Recipe works perfectly here, and pairing the tenders with Steamed Salmon makes the meal both fun and balanced.

Baking Times and Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders

• One of the most common questions about a baked chicken tenders recipe is how long to bake them for that ideal crunch and tenderness. Because chicken tenders are thinner and more delicate than whole chicken breasts, they cook quickly while staying juicy inside. At 375°F, the magic happens in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your pieces. If you’re using thicker tenders, just add a few extra minutes and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness. Baking at 350°F works too, but the coating won’t be quite as crispy.
• For those who love that golden, almost fried texture, bump the heat slightly to 400°F for the final few minutes it enhances the color and locks in the crunch. You’ll notice how the aroma shifts as the tenders finish baking, filling your kitchen with that irresistible toasty scent that makes this baked chicken tenders recipe so special.

Tips for Consistent Results

• The key to consistency in this baked chicken tenders recipe is airflow and attention to small details. Using a wire rack on your baking tray allows hot air to circulate underneath, giving you an evenly crisp surface all around. Always leave space between each piece so the heat can flow freely crowding the tray traps steam, making the coating soft instead of crunchy. Before baking, give each tender a light mist of oil; it encourages that rich golden finish without making the crumbs soggy.
• Halfway through baking, rotate the tray to ensure every side cooks evenly. Once they’re done, resist the urge to cover them steam is the enemy of crunch! And here’s a bonus tip: if you’ve got leftovers, simply reheat them in a 400°F oven for 3–5 minutes. The coating springs back to life, crisp and satisfying, just like the day you baked them. With these easy adjustments, this baked chicken tenders recipe will turn out perfectly golden and juicy every single time.
• For another quick dinner, my Stew Meat Crock Pot is a hearty option that creates a complete family-friendly meal.

Bringing It All Together: A Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe Worth Keeping

• This baked chicken tenders recipe proves that crispy, golden comfort food doesn’t require deep frying. With toasted panko for crunch, a quick batter for flavor, and simple baking tips, you can serve juicy tenders that taste just as good as their fried counterparts. Whether you’re cooking for kids, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or making snacks for a crowd, these tenders deliver every time. Save this baked chicken tenders recipe in your collection because it’s one you’ll return to again and again. Each batch brings that irresistible crunch, that homemade aroma, and that shared joy that only truly good food can create. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s a recipe that turns any ordinary day into something deliciously memorable.

FAQ About Baked chicken tenders recipe

❤️ Made with Love ❤️

This baked chicken tenders recipe is more than just an easy dinner it’s part of my story as a lifelong home cook. If you’d like to know more about me, my grandfather’s influence, and how this blog began, visit my About Me page. And if you’d like to reach out directly, feel free to Contact Me anytime.

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