Name: Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders | Chicken Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil spray or drizzle

Jump to Recipe

Let me tell you, I’ve tried my fair share of chicken recipes, but baked chicken tenders recipes oven-style always win me over. I mean, who doesn’t crave a crispy chicken recipe that gives you all the crunch without drowning in oil? The best part, these chicken tenders land in that sweet spot of flavor-packed and guilt-free. You bite into that golden crust and inside is juicy chicken that practically melts—honestly, a little like comfort food wearing a tuxedo. When I first made these, I was skeptical. Could baked chicken recipes really compete with fried? Turns out, they don’t just compete, they steal the show. The breading bakes into this chicken crispy recipe that’s so satisfying, you forget all about fast food nuggets. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll start looking at your oven like it’s the real MVP. What I love is how flexible they are. Serve them with fries, tuck them into wraps, or pile them over a salad when you’re pretending to eat light. These chicken tenders recipes check every box: easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. So grab your baking sheet, because tonight, we’re keeping it simple and delicious.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
6) Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Homemade baked chicken tenders bring the best of comfort food into our kitchens. They give us a way to enjoy a crispy bite without deep frying. We can prepare them with simple pantry ingredients and end up with a meal that tastes like more effort than it took.

These chicken recipes are a favorite with kids and adults. They cook quickly and fit into weeknight dinners when time feels short. With the right seasoning mix, the breading bakes golden and crunchy while the meat stays tender inside.

The takeaways are clear. We save time, we use less oil, and we get results that match or beat restaurant chicken tenders. It is the kind of dish that proves a home oven can deliver flavor and crunch we often expect only from fried food.

2) Easy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

I like to keep dinner easy when a busy day leaves me with little energy. This recipe feels like a relief. We set up a few bowls for dredging, coat each piece, and let the oven do the work. It makes a meal that looks impressive but really asks very little from us.

The crispy finish gives us that familiar crunch we crave. Unlike fried versions, these tenders use only a light spray of oil. The coating still turns out golden and crisp. It is a win for flavor and a win for cleaner cooking. These baked chicken recipes show us that less oil can still mean plenty of taste.

When we sit down to eat, we notice the texture first. The coating cracks under our bite, and the chicken inside stays juicy. We can serve them with a salad, fries, or wrap them in flatbread for an easy lunch. Flexibility is part of what makes chicken tenders recipes worth keeping.

3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders The star ingredient. They cook fast and stay tender. If we cannot find tenders, sliced chicken breast works as a substitute.

All Purpose Flour The first coating layer. It helps the egg stick to the chicken. Without it, the breading slides off too easily.

Eggs Beaten eggs act like glue between flour and breadcrumbs. They give the coating body and hold the spices close.

Breadcrumbs Panko makes the crust airy and crisp. Regular crumbs work too. A mix of both can strike a balance between crunch and coverage.

Garlic Powder Brings a mellow depth. It lifts the flavor without overpowering the chicken.

Onion Powder Complements garlic powder. Together they round out the seasoning and give the breading character.

Paprika Adds color and warmth. It makes the crust glow and gives a gentle smoky hint.

Salt and Black Pepper Seasoning that sharpens all the other flavors. Without them the tenders fall flat.

Olive Oil Spray A light mist over the breaded chicken helps the oven crisp the coating. It is a simple trick that makes a big difference.

4) How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This gives the tenders a base that resists sticking.

Step 2. Set up three bowls. Place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with spices in the third.

Step 3. Coat each tender in flour. Shake off the extra. Dip into egg. Move into the breadcrumb bowl and press lightly so the crumbs cling.

Step 4. Place coated tenders on the prepared pan. Give them space so hot air flows around each piece. Spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Step 5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip halfway through so both sides brown evenly. Remove when the coating turns crisp and the chicken cooks through.

Step 6. Serve them hot. Pair with your choice of dipping sauce or slide into sandwiches. The result proves a chicken crispy recipe can be oven made and still deliver crunch.

5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

I have found that spacing the tenders on the sheet pan matters. If we crowd them, they steam. Spread them out and the heat crisps the coating all around.

Do not skip seasoning the breadcrumb mix. A little paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder go a long way. Without them, the breading tastes bland. A well seasoned crust lifts baked chicken tenders recipes oven style into something worth repeating.

Finally, flip them halfway. It may feel like a small step, but it helps both sides brown. These small actions change the final bite more than we expect.

6) Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

These tenders work well as a make ahead meal. We can prepare the breaded chicken in the morning and store it covered in the fridge until ready to bake at night. It makes the dinner rush far less stressful.

If we want to freeze them, lay the coated raw tenders on a sheet pan and freeze solid. Transfer to a bag and keep for weeks. Bake straight from frozen with only a few extra minutes in the oven. The coating still crisps nicely.

Planning ahead means we have quick meals ready when days feel packed. It saves us from relying on fast food and keeps chicken baked recipes on our table even on busy nights.

7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Leftovers keep well in the fridge. Store them in a covered container for up to three days. When reheating, the oven brings the crunch back better than the microwave.

If we freeze leftovers, wrap them well. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until hot. The crust regains much of its crisp texture. Dips and sauces help refresh the flavor.

Having extras around makes for easy lunches. Pair with a salad or tuck into a wrap. These tenders adapt well to more than one meal and extend their value beyond dinner.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe