Name: Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 600 g chicken tenderloins (~21 oz); 1 ½-3 teaspoons salt (see notes); 2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons oil (40 ml); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons water (40 ml); ½ cup plain flour (all-purpose flour); 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a deliciously crispy and juicy chicken snack that’s both healthier and incredibly satisfying, you’re going to adore this Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s all about achieving that golden, crunchy exterior paired with tender chicken inside without the extra oil from frying. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you want a fuss-free treat that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant kitchen. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll be making it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of raw cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, featuring a large bowl filled with pale pink raw chicken strips, positioned at the upper right. Below it, a white bowl holds textured, off-white breadcrumbs. Slightly left of center, two brown eggs rest closely together. Above them, a small clear glass bowl contains white flour, and next to it, a similar bowl filled with pale yellow oil. At the bottom left, a small white oval plate displays three small piles of spices in shades of off-white, light beige, and brown. A small glass bowl with coarse white salt is placed near the eggs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is brilliant in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role whether it’s enhancing texture, layering flavor, or ensuring that gorgeous golden color. You really don’t need anything fancy to create something spectacular here.

600 g chicken tenderloins (~21oz): The star of the dish—tender and quick-cooking pieces perfect for that juicy bite.
1 ½–3 teaspoons salt: A bit of salt brings out natural flavors and helps with a dry brine for extra juiciness.
2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: These give the tenders their signature crunch without getting soggy.
2 tablespoons oil (40ml): Added to the breadcrumbs to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
2 large eggs: Combined with water and flour to make the batter that holds the crunch in place.
2 tablespoons water (40ml): Keeps the batter silky smooth and easy to coat the chicken evenly.
½ cup plain flour (all purpose flour): Gives body to the batter and helps the coating stick perfectly.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes that complement chicken wonderfully.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle garlic hit without overpowering the tenderness.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A pinch of spice that rounds out the flavor profile.

How to Make Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (400F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Removing the tendon from each tenderloin might seem tedious, but it makes biting into these tenders a much more pleasant experience—just slide a fork along the tendon and pull gently to remove.

Step 2: Dry Brining for Juiciness

Dry brining is a secret weapon here. Toss the chicken with 3 teaspoons salt and let it rest in the fridge for 30-40 minutes. This step isn’t just about seasoning; it helps the chicken hold onto moisture for juicy bites every time.

Step 3: Toasting the Panko Breadcrumbs

While the chicken chills, toss the panko crumbs with oil and spread them on another baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown, turning halfway. This enhances their crunch and adds deep nutty flavors that will create the most irresistible coating.

Step 4: Whipping Up the Batter

In a clean bowl, beat the eggs and mix in water, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Skip adding salt here if you dry brined the chicken (otherwise add 1 ½ teaspoons salt). This batter is what gives the tenders that luscious coating that everything sticks to perfectly.

Step 5: Rinsing and Drying the Chicken (If Dry Brined)

If you dry brined, add water to the bowl holding the chicken and swish it around, then drain and repeat. This washes off excess salt so flavors stay balanced. Dry each piece thoroughly with paper towels—dry chicken means a crispier crust.

Step 6: Coating in Batter and Breadcrumbs

Dip each tender into the batter until fully coated, then press firmly into the toasted panko crumbs, ensuring they stick well. The more crumbs you press on, the crunchier every bite will be — don’t be shy here!

Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection

Place your coated tenders on the parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about an inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes depending on size, until the chicken is cooked through (check for no pink inside or use a meat thermometer at 74C/165F). This oven method locks in crispiness without the extra grease.

How to Serve Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up view shows a golden brown crispy chicken strip covered in crunchy crumbs, being held by a woman's hand from the top right, dipping into a small black bowl filled with creamy white sauce that has small green herb specks. In the background, on a white plate with scalloped edges, more golden chicken strips are laid out on a wooden surface, with a hint of a blue cloth nearby. The surface beneath everything has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle extra layer of flavor that makes your tenders look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, a crunchy green salad, or even crispy oven-baked fries for a full-on comfort feast. Don’t forget a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or a spicy sriracha mayo to bring everything together.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them stacked high on a rustic wooden board surrounded by ramekins of sauces or tucked inside soft slider buns for a fun party twist. You could also chop them up and toss over a fresh salad for an easy, quick meal that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well, just expect a slight softening of the crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring back that crunch after storage or freezing, heat the tenders in an oven or toaster oven at 180C (350F) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can because it’ll make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just slice the breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to toast the panko breadcrumbs?

Toasting the panko adds extra crunch and a deeper flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step, though the tenders might be a little less golden and crispy.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The recipe works just as well!

Can I prepare this recipe without dry brining?

Yes, the tenders will still be tasty. Just add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt directly to the batter to compensate, but dry brining really boosts juiciness.

What dips go best with these chicken tenders?

Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices to complement the Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe enough for anyone wanting that perfect balance of crunchy coating and juicy chicken without the mess of frying. It’s simple, versatile, and just so delightfully tasty. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it becomes a trusted favorite in your meal rotation!