Oven baked chicken tenders are quick to prepare, crispy outside, and moist chicken tenders inside. This recipe shows how to cook chicken tenders in oven for juicy results every time.
Simple Baked Chicken Tender Recipe for Busy Nights
I love how quick this simple baked chicken tender recipe is to make with ingredients I always have at home. Baking instead of frying still gives that crispy finish I want, but keeps the dish lighter and healthier. The panko and Parmesan coating turns perfectly golden in the oven, and when I need a fast dinner that tastes great, these juicy chicken tenders in oven are always an easy win.
They stay moist chicken tenders inside, which is something I pay close attention to because no one enjoys dry chicken. I usually put ketchup on the plate, but any dipping sauce works. With fries or a fresh salad on the side, this chicken tender in the oven recipe is ready in about 25 minutes, and it always feels like a satisfying meal without extra effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 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.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Egg Mixture: I whisk eggs with garlic, salt, and pepper so the seasoning starts from the very first layer and helps the coating stick nicely.
- Chicken Tenders: I like using chicken tenders because they cook quickly and stay naturally juicy, making them perfect for baking without drying out.
- Crunchy Coating: Panko and Parmesan are my go-to combination for that light, crisp texture and a savory boost of flavor.
- Seasoning & Olive Oil Spray: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives warmth and color, and a light spray of olive oil helps everything turn beautifully golden in the oven.
How to Bake Chicken Tenders
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken tenders in the egg mixture and set aside.
2. Mix the Crispy Coating: In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Bread the Chicken Tenders: 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 Until Crispy: Bake in a preheated oven to 400°F (200°C) for 7 minutes, flip, spray with olive oil, and bake for 7 more minutes until crispy.
What to Serve with Juicy 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!
My Tips for Recipe Success
Avoid Overcrowding: I always leave a little space between each piece so the tenders can crisp up nicely instead of steaming.
Bake just Long Enough: I check them right at 14 minutes, so they stay juicy inside. If they look a bit thicker, I add just a minute or two, no more.
Store and Reheat Properly: When I have leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring the crunch back without drying them out.
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Recipe
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper - Freshly ground
- 500 g Chicken Tenders
- 100 g Panko Breadcrumbs
- 30 g Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Olive Oil Spray
- 1 tablespoon Parsley - Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the egg mixture and mix well, ensuring they are fully coated. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Take an egg-coated chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help with crispiness.
- Bake for 7 minutes, then flip. Lightly spray the other side with olive oil and bake for another 7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sam says
These Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders were great! Crispy, juicy, and so easy. Way better than fried!