Name: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Oil spray; 1 egg; 1 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or other mustard); 2 tbsp flour; 1/2 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5cm thick slices, lengthwise); Oil spray

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 48 reviews

If you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy yet wholesome, this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture tender chicken strips enveloped in golden, lightly toasted panko breadcrumbs that deliver that perfect oven-baked crunch without the mess of frying. It’s a healthier, hands-on twist on a classic favorite that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Once you try this, these chicken tenders will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing warmth, flavor, and a satisfying crisp to the table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cooking process with three main parts: a metal bowl at the bottom left filled with raw chicken pieces covered in a creamy yellow batter, a woman's hand holding tongs dipping a piece of chicken; above it, a white bowl with a blue rim full of golden brown bread crumbs, with a piece of chicken coated and resting on top of the crumbs; to the right, a metal baking tray lined with a wire rack holds a single piece of breaded chicken, with a crunchy golden texture. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and juiciness. From the toasty panko crumbs that crown the tenders with irresistible crispiness to the tangy Dijon mustard in the batter that amps up the taste, every component enhances the dish seamlessly.

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: The secret to exceptional crunch that holds up beautifully in the oven.
Oil spray: A light mist helps toast the breadcrumbs and ensures a golden finish without extra fat.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to help the coating stick perfectly to each tender.
1 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to your batter for tender, juicy chicken.
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the batter’s flavor.
2 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the batter and keep everything clinging in place.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little gentle heat.
500 g/1 lb chicken tenderloins: Or chicken breasts sliced lengthwise into tender strips; the star of the show that will soak up all the goodness.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

Start by heating your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C fan-forced). Spread your panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray and spray them lightly with oil. Toasting the panko before coating the chicken is the magic that delivers that extra crunch and gorgeous golden color. Pop them in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re lightly browned. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl – this little step adds a huge flavor and texture boost.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

While your breadcrumbs are toasting, whisk together your egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This batter is a clever blend that keeps the chicken juicy inside while helping the crumb coating stick beautifully outside. Toss your chicken tenders in the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor and adhesion.

Step 3: Crumb the Chicken

Using tongs, pick up each battered chicken tender and place it into the toasted panko bowl. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface of the chicken to create a thick, even coating. This hands-on step ensures every bite delivers that fantastic crisp. Once coated, place the tenders on a baking tray lined with a rack if you have one — this helps the hot air circulate for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Give your crumbed chicken a final spray of oil and, if you like, a small sprinkle of salt. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes for medium-sized tenders, or up to 20 minutes if your pieces are on the larger side. The golden-brown crust should look irresistible, and the chicken inside should be juicy and cooked through. Avoid baking longer to keep the tenders from drying out.

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows six pieces of golden brown crispy fried chicken placed on a metal rack over a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces have a rough, crunchy texture with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. To the left, a white round bowl contains a creamy, light yellow dipping sauce, and a piece of chicken is partially dipped in it. The scene looks warm and inviting with a close-up focus on the crunchy details of the chicken coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over your hot tenders adds a bright, fresh contrast, turning simple comfort food into something a little extra special. You can’t go wrong with a dash of freshly cracked black pepper too, right before serving, for that subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Serve these chicken tenders alongside crunchy carrot sticks, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Oven-baked fries or a creamy mashed potato also complement this dish wonderfully, making it a complete meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, try serving them as sliders on mini buns with crisp lettuce and a swipe of your favorite sauce. Or, create a fun sharing platter with an array of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ranch, or barbecue. Presentation is part of the joy, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it a feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any tenders left over (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or to add to a salad the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together and lets you grab just what you need later.

Reheating

To bring back that incredible crisp, reheat your tenders in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for around 10 minutes instead of the microwave. This method re-crisps the coating and keeps the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While regular breadcrumbs will work, panko is recommended for this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because of its light texture and ability to create a superior crunch. If using regular crumbs, the tenders may be denser and less crispy.

Is it necessary to toast the breadcrumbs before coating?

Toasting the breadcrumbs is a simple step that greatly enhances the recipe. It gives the crumbs a golden color and adds a toasty flavor that elevates the overall taste and texture of the tenders.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just double-check all labels to ensure your ingredients fit your dietary needs.

What dipping sauces pair best with these tenders?

Honey mustard is a classic match, but barbecue, ranch, or spicy aioli all complement the flavors beautifully. Feel free to mix and match depending on your mood or guests.

How can I make the tenders extra juicy?

Including mayonnaise in the batter keeps the chicken moist during baking. Also, avoid overbaking as this can dry out the tenders. Keep an eye on your oven timing for tender, juicy results every time.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the inside scoop on this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, I hope you’ll dive into your kitchen and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite. It’s a foolproof way to bring that delightful fried texture without frying, making mealtime joyful and fuss-free. Trust me, once you taste them, they’ll be on repeat – a warm, crispy hug you can make anytime!