These baked chicken tenders are a game-changer! I’m a huge fan of crispy chicken, but I wanted to make a healthier version without all the grease. Baking them gives the perfect crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy, and I love that it’s so easy to make!

Recipe

One of the best things about these tenders is that they’re ready in about 25 minutes, so perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, the recipe is super simple. I like to make sure the tenders are perfectly seasoned with black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, which gives them amazing flavor without needing extra seasoning.

You can even change things up by using crushed tortilla chips instead of panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy twist. These tenders are great on their own, but I’ve also served them with a side of French fries or tossed on top of a salad.

I’ve been making these for years, and my family loves them just as much as I do. They’re the ultimate finger food, quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
🧾Chicken Tenders Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders
🍽 What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Chicken Recipes to Try!
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

I love this recipe because it’s super crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! Here’s why you’ll love it too:

Simple & Quick: No fancy ingredients or tricky steps, just dip, coat, and bake! You’ll have golden, crispy tenders in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: The panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan make the coating extra crunchy, while the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Healthier Than Fried: Since these are baked, you get that amazing crunch without deep frying, making them lighter but still delicious.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love these! They’re perfect for a quick dinner, game night, or even meal prep.

🧾Chicken Tenders Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this chicken tenders recipe:

Eggs: I use eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. This is what gives the tenders their crispy, golden crust. Without them, the coating wouldn’t stay in place!
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a bold, savory punch. It’s the secret to elevating the flavor of the chicken, making each bite taste rich and delicious.
Salt & Pepper: These are my go-to seasonings for bringing out all the natural flavors in the chicken and the coating. They help balance everything and make it taste just right.
Chicken Tenders: The chicken tenders are the star of the dish. They cook up fast and stay juicy on the inside, which makes them perfect for this recipe. No drying out here!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs give the tenders that satisfying crunch. They’re crisp without being too heavy, which is exactly what I want for a perfect bite.
Parmesan Cheese: The cheese not only adds a salty, savory flavor, but it also helps the crust get even crispier. It’s like a little cheesy bonus that takes the texture and flavor to the next level.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Paprika: This flavorful trio adds depth and warmth to the tenders. The garlic powder and onion powder create savory notes, while the paprika adds a little smokiness and a beautiful golden color.
Olive Oil Spray: I use olive oil spray to help the tenders crisp up perfectly in the oven without making them greasy. It gives them that nice crunch while keeping them light and healthy.
Parsley: A little fresh parsley at the end not only brightens up the dish with a pop of color, but it also adds a fresh, slightly herby flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and cheese.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Baked Chicken Tenders

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Whisk eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken tenders in the egg mixture and set aside.

2. In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Coat the egg-dipped chicken tenders in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with olive oil, then mist the tenders with more olive oil.

4. Bake Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) for 7 minutes, flip, spray with olive oil, and bake for 7 more minutes until crispy.

🍽 What to Serve with Chicken Tenders

When I make chicken tenders, I love pairing them with crispy bubble potatoes or potato wedges. A creamy potato salad is also a great match for a tangy contrast. A simple tomato salad or mac and cheese also works well. And of course, I can’t forget the dipping sauces, ketchup, mojo sauce, or ranch always make the meal even better!

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Season generously: Don’t be afraid to add enough salt, pepper, and spices. It’s all about balancing the flavors, so I like to go a little extra with the garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.

Panko is key: I really recommend using panko breadcrumbs for that light, crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives the tenders that perfect crunch everyone loves.

Give them space: When you’re baking, make sure the tenders have space between them. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden, crispy crust.

Spray with olive oil: I always spray my tenders lightly with olive oil before baking or air frying. It helps them get crispy without all the extra grease.

Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.