If you’ve been craving the perfect balance of juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, shatteringly crisp crust, these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are going to rock your dinner table! With a super simple marinade that packs in flavor, a double layer of garlicky breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and oven-baked magic that grants every piece a satisfying crunch, this recipe pulls off the ultimate “healthier fried chicken” vibe. Best yet, there’s absolutely no fuss — you’ll have dinner ready in under half an hour, with minimal cleanup and massive flavor payoff. These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are not just kid-approved, but a huge hit with anyone who loves a good finger food, party appetizer, or weeknight dinner packed with comfort.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients — you only need a handful, but each one truly counts. Every item here brings something important, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color that gives these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders their unforgettable bite. Here’s how it all comes together:

Egg: Acts as the binder for your breadcrumb coating while adding an extra hit of moisture to keep the chicken juicy.
Olive oil: This keeps the tenders extra tender and helps the breading crisp up beautifully.
Lemon juice: A splash of citrus brightens everything up and gently tenderizes the chicken for perfect texture.
Fresh parsley: Brings color and a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the marinade.
Minced garlic: Adds robust, savory notes that play so well with the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Salt: Super important for seasoning the tenders all the way through.
Cracked pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth to the marinade.
Chicken tenders: Makes sure every bite is tender, juicy, and sized just right for snacking or dipping.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to ultra-crispy, light-as-air coating.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Pick up Italian, garlic, or herb-flavored for an extra flavor punch in the crust.
Paprika: Adds mild warmth and that beautiful golden color.
Garlic powder: Doubles down on garlicky goodness in every bite.
Onion powder: Lends a hint of depth and savoriness to your coating.
Fresh grated Parmesan: Melts into the breadcrumbs for cheesy, savory, irresistible crunch.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Oven

It all starts with getting your oven nice and hot so the tenders can develop that iconic crispy crust. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), then grab a baking tray and give it a light spray of cooking oil or brush with a thin coating of oil. This quick prep step ensures that nothing sticks and helps the coating brown up perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your egg, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and cracked pepper. This flavorful marinade doesn’t just season the chicken; it gives it a head start on juiciness and tenderness, making your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders extra special. Dunk in the chicken tenders and let them soak for about five minutes — this is where all that zingy, herby flavor gets pulled right into the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, bring together the “crispy” side of this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders recipe. Combine the Panko and regular breadcrumbs in a separate bowl, then add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all up so every bite has the perfect distribution of crunch and cheesy, seasoned goodness.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Grab a marinated tender and dip it straight into your breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure every side is generously coated — this is where that epic crispiness gets locked in. Set each coated tender on your prepared baking tray and, for one last touch, mist them lightly with cooking oil spray. That bit of oil will help the coating achieve maximum crunch in the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Time for your masterpiece to bake! Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the tenders over so both sides get even exposure to the heat, then bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until they’re cooked through and irresistibly crisp. Want an even bolder golden crunch? Switch to broil for the last two or three minutes and watch the coating bubble up into pure crispy glory. Serve while hot and enjoy every shatteringly crisp bite!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a little effort goes a long way! I love showering my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re a cheese fan, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving adds a beautiful, savory flair. And don’t forget a side of lemon wedges — giving each bite a bright, tangy squeeze takes things to the next level.

Side Dishes

These tenders are incredibly versatile and play well with all sorts of sides. Go classic with a pile of golden fries or roasted potatoes, or lighten things up with a crisp green salad or simple slaw. On busy nights, I’ll pair mine with steamed veggies and a dollop of homemade ranch or honey mustard for effortless comfort food. No matter how you serve them, these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders always shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not shake things up? Layer a few tenders on a fresh, toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for the ultimate chicken tender sandwich, or dice them up and toss onto salads for extra crunch. They’re also a kid’s lunchbox hero, staying crisp enough to pack with a favorite dip. For parties, arrange them in a big bowl with an assortment of sauces — think ranch, BBQ, and honey mustard — for a fun DIY dipping platter your friends will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep them separated with parchment paper if you have multiple layers, so the crust stays as crunchy as possible.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on meal prep? Once cooked and cooled, these tenders freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually — once solid, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making future dinners a breeze.

Reheating

To bring back their signature crunch, reheat Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen). Avoid the microwave if you can, as it will zap away that glorious crispy coating. If you’re short on time, a quick pass through an air fryer works wonders, too.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the same size as standard tenders. Just be sure to keep thickness consistent so they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.

How do I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

You can easily swap in gluten-free Panko and regular breadcrumbs. They work excellently and deliver all the crunch of the classic version without gluten.

Can I prep these ahead of time for parties?

Yes — you can bread the tenders and lay them out on a tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This gives you a head start so you can just bake and serve when guests arrive.

What dipping sauces go best with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

They’re delicious with so many sauces: classic ranch, honey mustard, smoky BBQ, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Set out a little variety so everyone can find their favorite!

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

You can! Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The result? Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with even less oil.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders deserve a place in every home cook’s collection. Bursting with flavor, effortless to prepare, and sure to keep everyone coming back for seconds, they’re just too good not to share. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the crispy, golden deliciousness — you’ll be glad you did!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried tenders. They are coated in a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to perfection for a crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Instructions

Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking tray/sheet with cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil.
Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken tenders into the egg mixture and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing the crumb mixture.
Prepare Coating: In another bowl, combine both breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.
Coat Chicken: Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb/Parmesan mixture, lightly pressing to evenly coat. Arrange tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil spray.
Bake: Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for a further 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. Broil in the last 2-3 minutes for a golden crispy crumb.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American