Save to Pinterest Golden crunchy chicken tenders baked right in the oven make weeknight dinners effortless and wholesome. These tenders are truly crispy on the outside with juicy meat inside delivering pure comfort food without any deep frying fuss. They are beloved by both kids and grown-ups in my house and always disappear as soon as they hit the table.
The first time I made these baked chicken tenders was for a movie night with my nieces and nephews. Now it is a tradition that brings us all together with zero complaints at dinnertime.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into strips: gives you consistent juicy bites every time I always look for fresh air-chilled chicken for best flavor and texture
- Panko breadcrumbs: bring extra crunch without being heavy Choose unseasoned for full control of the flavor
- Cornflakes crushed: add golden crispiness and a subtle sweetness Opt for a brand with minimal added sugar
- Garlic powder: provides savory depth and rounds out the flavor Use fresh high-quality powder for best results
- Paprika: gives a gentle warmth and that nice golden color Spanish or smoked works nicely
- Salt: is essential to enhance every layer of flavor Fine sea salt works especially well here
- Black pepper: balances the breading and gives a hint of bite Freshly cracked is always my choice
- Large eggs: bind the breading to the chicken and create a crisp shell Use farm fresh eggs if available
- Milk: helps whisk the eggs into a smooth custard mixture which helps breading stick well I prefer whole milk for richness
- Olive oil spray or extra virgin olive oil: ensures the breading crisps up in the oven Use cold-pressed for best taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Two hundred twenty Celsius This high heat is key for crispiness Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease lightly to prevent sticking
- Mix Breading Ingredients:
- Combine panko crushed cornflakes garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper in a shallow bowl Use your hands to fully blend and gently break up any larger cornflake pieces for even coverage
- Whisk Egg Mixture:
- Crack eggs into another bowl and add milk Whisk until the mixture is smooth pale and fully blended This will help the breading stick perfectly to each strip
- Dry and Prep Chicken:
- Pat the chicken strips very dry with paper towels This step ensures the breading adheres properly and extra moisture does not steam the crust
- Coat the Chicken:
- Take each strip and dip it into the egg mixture ensuring full coverage Then transfer directly into the breading mixture Press gently so the crunchy coating sticks firmly and thickly on all sides
- Arrange and Oil:
- Lay each breaded strip onto your prepared baking sheet Be sure they are not crowded Spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil covering as much surface as possible This encourages that signature crunch
- Bake and Flip:
- Place in the preheated oven Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes Flip each tender over halfway through for even browning When golden and cooked through with juices running clear and internal temperature reaching one hundred sixty five Fahrenheit they are done
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from oven and let the tenders sit for two to three minutes before serving This rest locks in juices and makes them easier to handle
Save to Pinterest I love using smoked paprika in the breading as it adds a layer of savoriness that everyone comments on My kids actually help crush the cornflakes which makes this recipe a family affair that ends in happy faces
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Lay parchment between layers to keep the breading crisp Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore that crunch and avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy
Ingredient Substitutions
For gluten free tenders swap in gluten free panko and cornflakes You can try crushed rice cereal or even almond meal if corn is an issue Prefer boneless thighs Use those for extra juiciness just trim and slice to similar size strips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken tenders with a range of favorite dips from classic honey mustard to spicy sriracha mayo Perfect next to a simple slaw roasted sweet potatoes or tucked inside a soft roll for an easy sandwich night
Cultural and Historical Context
Baked chicken tenders are the modern nod to fried chicken and have become a staple in homes aiming to lighten up comfort classics Panko breadcrumb crusts originate from Japanese cuisine but are now beloved in American kitchens for their unbeatable texture
Seasonal Adaptations
Try adding a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs in winter for cozy flavor Use smoked chili powder in fall for a touch of warmth In spring serve beside bright green salads with lemon vinaigrette
Success Stories
A neighbor once told me these tenders convinced her picky toddler to finally love chicken and that made my whole week Another friend freezes half a batch for meal prep which I now do as well They hold up wonderfully and taste just as good on round two
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bread the chicken as usual then freeze the strips on a baking sheet before baking Once solid transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen at four hundred twenty five for about twenty five minutes They crisp up beautifully and save so much time
Save to Pinterest These oven baked chicken tenders bring everyone to the table. Crisp, juicy, and quick—they are sure to become your new family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you get chicken tenders extra crispy when baking?
Use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes, and lightly coat the strips with olive oil before baking. This ensures a golden, crunchy texture.
- → Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornflakes to enjoy a gluten-free variation.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
Popular choices include honey mustard, ranch, or classic ketchup. Feel free to serve with your personal favorite sauce.
- → Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken strips up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.
- → How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through?
Bake until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- → Are these chicken tenders suitable for kids?
Their mild flavor and crispy texture make them a kid-friendly option, perfect for family dinners.