The moment these crispy homemade baked chicken tenders come out of the oven, they’re ready to steal the spotlight at any meal. The golden-brown crust crackles just right when you take a bite, offering that satisfying crunch that everyone craves. Inside, the chicken remains tender and juicy, a perfect contrast to the crisp exterior. The beauty of baking them, instead of frying, is that you get all that irresistible crunch without the mess or extra calories. Plus, the seasonings you use really shine through, making every bite a burst of flavor. If you’ve got kids at home, they’ll be thrilled with the crispy coating, and they’re a perfect meal for a family dinner or an easy weeknight treat. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few simple ingredients, a hot oven, and a baking sheet.
You can even tweak the seasoning blend to suit your mood. One day, toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth, or add a dash of cayenne if you’re in the mood for a little heat. It’s those little changes that make this recipe feel like something special every time you make it. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s classic honey mustard, ranch, or even something spicy like sriracha mayo. With these tenders, you’ll be bringing a little extra joy to your table with every crispy bite.
Key Ingredients for Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
When it comes to making crispy homemade baked chicken tenders, the ingredients you choose are essential to achieving that perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Each component brings something unique to the table, working together to create a deliciously satisfying dish. Let’s break down the key ingredients and their roles in this recipe:
- Chicken Tenders
The star of the show! These tender cuts of chicken are juicy and easy to cook, providing a perfectly sized piece for breading and baking. Their mild flavor allows the seasonings to really shine. - All-Purpose Flour
This creates the base layer of the breading, helping the coating adhere to the chicken. It also contributes to the crispy texture that forms when baked. - Salt
A must-have for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and the breading. Just the right amount of salt will bring everything together without overpowering the other ingredients. - Black Pepper
Adds a subtle kick of warmth and depth. It balances the richness of the chicken and the breading, giving each bite a slight, peppery heat. - Garlic Powder
A pantry staple that lends a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the tenders. It complements the other spices and adds a mouthwatering aroma as they bake. - Onion Powder
Works hand-in-hand with garlic powder to deepen the flavor profile of the chicken. The mild onion taste enhances the overall savory experience without being too bold. - Paprika
This adds not only a pop of color but also a gentle smokiness and earthiness to the dish. It pairs beautifully with the garlic and onion powders, rounding out the seasoning blend. - Eggs
Acts as the binding agent for the breading. The eggs coat the chicken tenders, helping the flour and breadcrumbs stick perfectly, resulting in a golden, crispy crust. - Milk
Adds a bit of richness to the egg mixture, making it smoother and helping the breading adhere even better. The milk helps achieve a lighter, crunchier texture on the outside. - Panko Breadcrumbs
These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, creating that extra-crispy texture. They give the tenders their signature crunch. - Grated Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a delicious umami flavor and a slight nuttiness to the breading. It also contributes to the golden-brown color and extra crispiness. - Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
A light coat of olive oil or cooking spray helps the breading crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving the tenders a golden hue without the need for frying. It also adds a hint of richness to the dish.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This ensures that the tenders won’t stick and that they’ll crisp up beautifully.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir the mixture together until the spices are evenly distributed. This blend will form the first layer of flavor for your tenders.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended and smooth. This creates the perfect binding mixture that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the breadcrumbs and cheese until they are evenly incorporated. The Parmesan adds flavor and helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. The egg mixture acts like glue, holding the breadcrumbs in place.
- Next, press the egg-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Be sure the chicken is coated thoroughly for that extra crispy crunch.
- Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly spaced on the sheet for optimal crispiness.
- Once all the tenders are coated and placed on the baking sheet, lightly drizzle or spray them with olive oil. This helps the breading crisp up and turn golden in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking for an even golden crisp. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully crisp and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the coating to set. This helps keep them crispy!
- Serve the crispy homemade baked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s classic honey mustard, ranch, or something spicy, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Chicken Tender Salad
Turn your chicken tenders into a refreshing, light meal by tossing them on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The warm, crispy tenders are the perfect contrast to the cool, crisp veggies. It’s like a little bit of comfort food with a healthy twist! - Chicken Tender Wraps
For a fun and easy lunch or dinner, wrap your crispy chicken tenders in a soft tortilla with some crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. You can even throw in some shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This makes for a portable and satisfying meal that everyone will love. - Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potato Fries
Pair these tenders with crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries for a sweet and savory combo that’s simply irresistible. The sweetness of the fries complements the rich, savory chicken tenders, creating the perfect balance. Don’t forget a side of dipping sauce for double the fun!
How to Store Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
If you happen to have any leftover crispy chicken tenders (though, let’s be honest, that’s rare!), storing them properly will help maintain their crispiness and flavor. The key to keeping them fresh is to avoid trapping moisture, which can make that delightful crunch disappear.
To store your tenders, first, allow them to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy breading. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. If you’re planning to keep them for a few days, refrigerate the container and they should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you want to enjoy your tenders a bit later, reheating them can be tricky, but it’s totally doable! To restore their crispiness, heat them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re heated through. Skip the microwave, as it tends to soften the breading, and nobody wants that.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tenders. After they’ve cooled completely, arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. Then transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps preserve both the flavor and crunch, so you can enjoy your crispy tenders whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making crispy homemade baked chicken tenders! From that first golden bite to the last crunchy morsel, these tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, packing them for lunch, or just enjoying a snack, you can feel confident knowing you’ve created something delicious and satisfying with minimal effort.
I love how versatile this recipe is, too! With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can create a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. And don’t forget, you can always tweak the seasonings to make these tenders uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback. After all, cooking is all about experimenting, learning, and sharing the joy of good food. So, enjoy those crispy tenders, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help or just want to chat about how they turned out! Happy cooking!
Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Description
Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these homemade baked chicken tenders are a game changer! Tender on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside, they’re the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Perfectly crispy, every bite is a treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
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In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir the mixture together until evenly distributed.
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In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended and smooth.
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In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the breadcrumbs and cheese until evenly incorporated.
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Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides.
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Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
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Next, press the egg-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
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Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders.
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Once all the tenders are coated and placed on the baking sheet, lightly drizzle or spray them with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
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Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking for an even golden crisp.
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Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven.
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Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the coating to set.
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Serve the crispy homemade baked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the chicken is fully dry before dredging to help the coating adhere better.
- To make the tenders even crispier, bake them on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
- Leftover tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheated in the oven for crispiness.
