Name: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Oil spray; 1 egg; 1 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard (or other mustard); 2 tbsp flour; 1/2 tsp salt; Black pepper; 500 g/1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into 2/3′ / 1.5cm thick slices, lengthwise); Oil spray

Jump to Recipe

These Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine golden breading with a crunch that rivals your favorite fast food, yet they’re secretly super easy, baked (not fried), and loaded with big, savory flavor. Every bite is juicy and perfectly seasoned, with a hint of tang from Dijon and a super crisp, golden exterior thanks to a simple panko hack. This recipe never fails to please kids and adults alike, and it’s so versatile you’ll find yourself making it for snacks, lunches, or laid-back dinner parties. Let’s dive in; your taste buds will thank you!

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make magic—just a few kitchen staples that each bring something special to the table. Every item here plays a role, whether it’s delivering crunch, flavor, or that irresistible golden color.

Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that shatteringly crisp coating—don’t skip toasting for extra crunch!
Oil spray: Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and keeps everything light but tasty.
Egg: Binds everything together for a tender, cohesive crust.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the batter—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Dijon mustard (or any mustard): Brings tang, brightness, and a slight zing that makes these tenders anything but boring.
Flour: Gives structure to the batter and helps the coating stick firmly.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the batter and the crumbs.
Black pepper: Adds a mild kick to round out the flavor profile.
Chicken tenderloins (or breast, sliced): The star protein—choose your favorite cut for juicy, never-dry results.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness at serving time.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C if you’re using a fan-forced oven). Toasting the panko is a chef’s secret for conquering dreary, pale baked coatings—simply spray the panko breadcrumbs with oil, spread them out on a tray, and pop them in for 3 to 5 minutes. You want a light golden color that hints at the delicious things to come.

Step 2: Set Up Your Baking Tray

Take a sturdy wire rack and place it over your baking tray. While not strictly essential, this simple setup lets hot air circulate around each tender, ensuring an evenly crisp surface all over. Your chicken never touches a soggy surface—goodbye floppy tenders!

Step 3: Make the Flavorful Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. This creates a thick batter that clings beautifully to the chicken and delivers flavor in every single bite. Once it’s smooth, toss in your chicken pieces, making sure they’re coated on all sides.

Step 4: The Ultimate Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Crumb Coat

Using tongs, pick up each piece of battered chicken and place it into your bowl of toasted panko. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, then gently press them down for maximum crunch payoff. No messy fingers, no fuss—just perfectly coated tenders.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the breaded tenders on your prepared tray. Give them a quick spritz with oil and a sprinkle of extra salt if you fancy. Bake for about 15 minutes (a little longer if your tenders are extra-large). Watch as they turn irresistibly crispy and golden—any longer and the chicken will dry out, so keep an eye on them!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull them from the oven, serve immediately, and get ready for rave reviews! Pair with your favorite sauce—honey mustard is a real crowd-pleaser—or simply sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a little extra flair. These Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are the stuff of comfort food dreams!

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a simple final flourish to make your chicken tenders shine. Fresh chopped parsley adds color and brightness, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt ups the flavor ante. A wedge of lemon alongside delivers a lovely, zesty lift if you like things a little tangy!

Side Dishes

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders go with almost anything! They’re perfect with classic French fries, a crunchy slaw, or fluffy mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies—think broccoli, carrots, or sweet potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your tenders into party food by serving them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces—honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch are always a hit. Or, slice them up for salads, tuck them inside wraps or tacos, or layer them into sandwiches with fresh lettuce and tomato for a next-level lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve their flavor, though the crumb will lose a little of its fresh-from-the-oven snap.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange baked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, and then store them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. This makes them an unbeatable meal prep option for easy lunches or snacks on busy days. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your chicken tenders in a hot oven (about 190°C/375°F) for 8 to 10 minutes. A quick turn halfway through ensures they’re perfectly reheated and crunchy—microwaving is fast, but will result in a softer coating.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko crumbs are extra-light and give that signature crunch, but standard breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. Your tenders may be less crispy, but they’ll still taste fantastic!

What sauces go best with Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders?

Honey mustard is a classic (and shown in the recipe), but ranch, barbecue, spicy mayo, or even sweet chili sauce make wonderful sides. Serve with a variety for dipping fun!

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply substitute gluten-free panko and flour—there are great options in most grocery stores. The rest of the process stays exactly the same, and you’ll still get that irresistible crunch.

Can I prep the tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can batter and coat the chicken up to a day in advance. Store them on a rack in the fridge (unbaked), covered loosely with cling wrap, for easy, last-minute baking.

Can I use chicken breast if I don’t have tenderloins?

Yes, just slice the chicken breast into strips about 2/3 inch thick, lengthwise. They’ll bake up just as juicy and tender as the traditional cut.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, pleasing picky eaters, or just wanting something irresistibly crunchy for dinner, Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are an absolute win. Give this recipe a try—you’ll never look at chicken the same way again!