If you’re craving that perfect bite of comfort food, get ready to fall head-over-heels for these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! They come out golden-brown and ridiculously crunchy outside, yet stay juicy and flavorful inside thanks to a tangy, garlicky marinade. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of savory Parmesan, fresh herbs, and just the right hint of zesty lemon. Whether you grew up loving chicken tenders or just want an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders will become your go-to for weeknight dinners, parties, and irresistible snacks.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders lies in their clever combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each addition plays an important role: tenderizing the chicken, cranking up the flavor, or delivering that irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start breading and baking!

1 large egg: Acts as the glue for the breading, ensuring every crumb sticks while making the tenders moist.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the chicken from drying out in the oven.
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice of ½ a lemon): A splash of acidity makes the flavors pop and helps tenderize the chicken.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the marinade with a burst of fresh, herbal fragrance.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: For that unmistakable garlicky punch that keeps things interesting.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper: A subtle hint of heat and earthiness.
28 ounces chicken tenders: The main event—choose fresh, plump strips for the juiciest results.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that shatteringly crisp coating that makes all the difference.
1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs (garlic, herb, or Italian seasoned): Adds depth of flavor and a second layer of crunch.
1 teaspoon mild paprika: Gives beautiful color and subtle smokiness to the crust.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the savory factor in every bite.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Balances out the flavors with a gentle rounded sweetness.
1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the breading for a rich, cheesy zing.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

First things first: set your oven to 400°F (200°C), and get your baking tray ready. A light greasing, whether with a spritz of cooking spray or a thin wipe of oil, ensures your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders cook evenly and develop that signature golden exterior. This simple prep step means you’ll avoid sticking and make clean-up a breeze, too.

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

Grab a roomy bowl and whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade brings zesty, fresh, and aromatic notes straight into the heart of the tenders. Place the raw chicken strips in, turning to coat every piece, and let them sit for at least five minutes as you prepare the breading. This gives the flavors time to mingle and ensures extra moisture and tenderness.

Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Breading

In a separate bowl, stir together the Panko breadcrumbs, regular seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. The double-breadcrumb combo gives the tenders that unbeatable crispy bite, while the spices and Parmesan take the flavor right over the top. Make sure it’s well mixed so every tender grabs a little bit of everything.

Step 4: Coat Each Tender

Now for the fun, slightly messy part: dredging the marinated chicken strips into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to really pack on that crunchy coating, ensuring each piece is evenly and thoroughly covered. As you go, arrange the breaded tenders onto your greased baking sheet, spacing them out so every piece can crisp up—all without crowding.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then flip each piece with tongs so both sides get their time to crunch up. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through. For an extra punch of crispiness, pop the tray under your broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—just watch closely so your perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders don’t overdo it!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese brings a pop of color and flavor to your platter of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. For a dash of brightness, serve lemon wedges on the side—the citrusy zing perfectly balances the savory richness of each bite. If you love a touch of spice, a scatter of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can really liven things up.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a vibrant, crunchy slaw or a simple green salad to keep things light and fresh. Classic pairing like sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes, or buttered corn on the cob always delight both kids and adults alike. And if you’re a true dipping fan, offer a selection of honey mustard, ranch, or spicy Sriracha mayo alongside your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders for endless flavor combos.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders into a basket lined with parchment paper for party-style finger food. For lunches, try tucking a few tenders into a toasty baguette with lettuce and tomato for a hearty sandwich. Or chop them up over salads and grain bowls for a protein-packed, crispy addition—no one will ever complain about leftovers when they look and taste this tempting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful, though the crust might soften a bit. A quick tip: layer a paper towel in the container to help absorb excess moisture, which keeps tenders as crisp as possible.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to have a batch of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders ready for quick meals. Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. This prevents sticking and ensures you can grab just what you need later on.

Reheating

To bring back all the crunch, reheat your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the breading. For smaller amounts, an air fryer works wonders at reviving that fresh-from-the-oven texture in just a few quick minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken tenders, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into evenly sized strips. This way, they’ll cook uniformly and still absorb all the wonderful marinade flavors.

What’s the secret to getting the crispiest coating?

The combination of Panko breadcrumbs and a quick stint under the broiler is key for that ultra-crisp exterior. Don’t skip the broil at the end, and always give each piece its own space on the baking tray so they crisp all around.

Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the Panko and regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Keep an eye on baking time, as alternative crumbs sometimes brown a bit faster.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The tenders will still be delicious and full of savory flavor even without the cheese.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Definitely! Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll get beautifully crisp with even less oil.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing an irresistible platter of Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders—fresh from the oven, insanely crunchy, and full of bright, savory flavors. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring a bit of restaurant-worthy comfort to any table. I can’t wait for you to experience the crunch, the juiciness, and all those happy, satisfied smiles!