Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Nothing beats the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into crispy and juicy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders at home. This recipe is a straightforward way to create a flavorful, healthier alternative to fried tenders without sacrificing that perfect crunch and tenderness. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when time is tight.
• Healthier Option: Oven baking reduces oil use while still delivering a crispy texture.
• Family Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults for its tender inside and crunchy crust.
• Versatile: Perfect for dipping sauces or as part of a larger meal spread.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples with no fancy or hard-to-find items.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together to achieve a wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element adds its own magic to make your Oven Baked Chicken Tenders irresistibly delicious.

• Chicken tenders: Fresh, lean pieces provide a tender and juicy base.
• Breadcrumbs: Gives the coating that satisfying crispiness without frying.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Eggs: Help the breading stick for an even, crunchy crust.
• Garlic powder: Delivers warm, earthy notes enhancing overall taste.
• Paprika: Infuses subtle smoky flavor and a gorgeous golden color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season and balance all the flavors.
• Olive oil spray: Used to lightly coat the tenders, promoting crispiness without extra calories.

Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Feel free to customize these Oven Baked Chicken Tenders to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. From spice level to breading choice, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable and always delicious.

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for extra heat.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties or crushed nuts.
• Herb infusion: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the coating for more fragrance.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Use panko for an even crunchier texture that holds up well to dipping sauces.
• Lemon zest: Include fresh lemon zest for a bright, zesty twist that lightens the dish.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack for even heat circulation.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations

In one bowl, whisk the eggs to create your binding mixture. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Next, press them into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each piece to avoid steaming, which keeps the coating crispy.

Step 5: Lightly Spray and Bake

Give the tenders a light drizzle or spray of olive oil to encourage golden browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is crispy.

Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

• Use a wire rack: Elevate tenders on a rack to allow heat to circulate, creating crunchier coating on all sides.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave enough space between tenders to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
• Pat dry chicken: Ensures the egg and breadcrumb coating sticks better for an even crust.
• Double dip for extra crunch: Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice to build a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Keep breadcrumbs seasoned: Taste your breadcrumb mix before coating to adjust flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that balances the crispy tenders beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve Oven Baked Chicken Tenders alongside tangy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these tenders on sliders with fresh lettuce and mayo or chop them into a warm wrap with avocado and your favorite sauce for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Oven Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy, avoiding soggy microwaved leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders, but tenders naturally stay more tender and cook faster.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This recipe creates mild, crispy tenders that are typically a hit with kids and perfect for school lunches or after-school snacks.

How can I make these tenders extra crispy?

Using panko breadcrumbs and baking on a wire rack while lightly spraying olive oil helps maximize crispiness without frying.

Are there any dipping sauces that pair especially well?

Classic choices like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo perfectly complement the flavors of Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.

Can I prepare these tenders gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a delicious gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders offer the perfect balance of crispy texture and juicy tenderness that anyone can easily create in their own kitchen. This simple, tasty recipe is tailor-made for busy days and hungry families, so don’t wait—grab your ingredients and try it today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these tenders become a staple in your weekly rotation!

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