Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders

Chicken breast tenders are a classic favorite in many households, loved for their mild flavor, versatility, and ability to absorb a variety of seasonings. However, when it comes to getting them crispy without the mess and unhealthy fats of deep frying, the oven is your best friend. Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders are an easy-to-make, healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, giving you the satisfying crunch you crave without the guilt.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make these crispy chicken tenders with an irresistibly golden crust, tender and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, packing them in a lunchbox, or looking for a healthier option for your next gathering, these baked chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress. We’ll explore ingredients, preparation methods, baking techniques, tips, and variations that will make this recipe a staple in your kitchen.

Why Choose Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders?

When you’re craving chicken tenders, but want a healthier version, baking them is the way to go. Here’s why crispy baked chicken breast tenders are a perfect choice:

• Healthier Option: Baking eliminates the need for oil, so you get the crispy texture without the added fats from frying.
• Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. You can have dinner ready in 30 minutes or less!
• Versatile: These tenders can be served with a variety of sides, sauces, and dips, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: With a golden, crunchy exterior and tender interior, even the pickiest eaters will love these tenders. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in extra protein for growing children.

Ingredients for the Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders

To make the best crispy baked chicken breast tenders, you don’t need an extensive list of ingredients—just a few key components will do the trick. Here’s everything you need to get started:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they’re fresh and of good quality. You can cut them into tenders or buy pre-cut chicken tenders from your local grocery store.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and more airy than regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken tenders a crispier texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps achieve the perfect golden crust.
• All-purpose flour: This is used for dredging the chicken before it’s dipped in the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.
• Eggs: The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, creating that beautiful crispy layer.
• Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme will elevate the flavor of your tenders.

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• Honey mustard: A classic choice for crispy chicken tenders.
• Ranch dressing: For those who prefer a creamy dip with a bit of tang.
• Barbecue sauce: Perfect for a smoky, slightly sweet accompaniment.

How to Prepare and Cook Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making crispy baked chicken breast tenders.

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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A high temperature ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and gets nice and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re starting with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut them into strips, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. These should resemble chicken tenders in size and shape. Make sure the pieces are uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Set Up a Dredging Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls for the dredging process:

• Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Bowl 2: Whisked eggs (you may need two eggs depending on the amount of chicken).
• Bowl 3: A mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and any additional seasonings you’d like to add.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken strip and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat with all chicken tenders.

Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This helps them crisp up evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your tenders are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce and sides!

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Crunch

While the recipe above is foolproof, here are some pro tips to make your crispy baked chicken breast tenders even better:

• Use a wire rack: To ensure maximum crispiness, place your chicken tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate all around the tenders, resulting in an evenly crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each tender plenty of space so the heat can reach all sides of the chicken, ensuring an even crisp.
• Double breading: For extra crunch, consider double breading your tenders. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for an additional layer.
• Season the breadcrumbs: Don’t just rely on the flour for seasoning! Make sure your breadcrumbs are well-seasoned for a flavor-packed crust.

Variations of Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders

Although the recipe provided is classic and delicious, you can easily customize your crispy baked chicken breast tenders to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations:

• Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
• Parmesan Crusted: Use a heavier amount of Parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture for an even cheesier flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crispy, gluten-free option.
• Herb-Infused Tenders: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumbs for a fragrant twist.

Serving Suggestions: Making Your Meal Complete

Now that you have your crispy baked chicken breast tenders ready, here are some ideas for serving them:

• As a Main Course: Pair the tenders with roasted vegetables, a side of mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve with an assortment of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• On a Sandwich or Wrap: Place your chicken tenders in a whole-grain wrap or sandwich bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
• With Pasta: Serve alongside pasta and marinara sauce for a fun take on chicken Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders are a simple, healthy, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a few easy ingredients and some helpful tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste for health. From savory seasonings to variations and serving suggestions, this recipe allows for endless customization. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep session, or a special occasion, these crispy chicken tenders will always hit the spot.

Healthy Recipes

Crispy Baked Chicken Breast Tenders

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Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins Cooking Temp: 200  C Servings: 4 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

Enjoy these crispy, juicy, and flavorful baked chicken tenders—a healthier alternative to fried versions! These golden-brown tenders are coated with a deliciously seasoned breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection, and perfect for dipping. Quick, easy, and kid-friendly, they make for an excellent snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder

For the Coating:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• 0.5 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Wet Batter:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 0.25 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Optional Garnish:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (for extra spice)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (this helps air circulate around the tenders for an even crispiness). Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Season the Chicken

1. Pat dry the chicken strips using paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage.

Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Make the Wet Batter

1. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and flour until smooth.

Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken strip into the wet batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking rack.

Bake to Perfection

1. Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Rest and Serve

1. Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 442.63kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12.96g20%

Saturated Fat 4.85g25%

Trans Fat 0.02g

Cholesterol 218.24mg73%

Sodium 605.72mg26%

Potassium 695.21mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 25.94g9%

Dietary Fiber 1.64g7%

Sugars 2.35g

Protein 51.97g104%

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Vitamin A 109.38 IU

Vitamin C 1.52 mg

Calcium 321 mg

Iron 2.67 mg

Vitamin D 0.72 IU

Vitamin E 1.37 IU

Vitamin K 22.23 mcg

Thiamin 0.35 mg

Riboflavin 0.56 mg

Niacin 17.6 mg

Vitamin B6 1.47 mg

Folate 34.78 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.88 mcg

Phosphorus 578.38 mg

Magnesium 69.51 mg

Zinc 2.29 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded tenders for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Keywords: crispy, healthy, kid-friendly, easy, high-protein