Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders: A Healthier Game Day Favorite
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
If you’re craving crispy, guilt-free chicken tenders fresh from your oven, you’ve come to the right place. These golden, panko-breaded chicken tenders deliver maximum crunch with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
- Oven-baked for a healthy alternative – no frying needed.
- Super crispy panko crust every time.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day appetizers.
- Quick prep and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken tenders
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl until smooth.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Working one tender at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into panko crumbs until fully coated.
- Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared sheet. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray for extra crunch.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow to rest 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the flour mix for heat.
- Cornflake Crust: Crush cornflakes instead of panko for an extra-crunchy twist.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare breaded tenders ahead and freeze; bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 172 calories, 17g protein, 4g fat, 26g carbs, 1g sugar, 689mg sodium.
Serve with tangy dipping sauce and watch smiles appear—these perfectly baked chicken tenders!
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
These crispy baked chicken tenders are breaded with seasoned panko crumbs for that extra crunch factor. Baking means there's no guilt of frying!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl until smooth.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Working one tender at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into panko crumbs until fully coated.
- Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared sheet. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray for extra crunch.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow to rest 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes
