These easy baked chicken tenders are coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and baked at 450°F until golden and crispy.
With just 15 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe makes a convenient 30-minute meal for busy weeknights.
Each serving contains approximately 172 calories, making these oven-baked tenders a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken.
The simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper adds plenty of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.
Serve the finished tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a family-friendly dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cooking Temperature: 450°F (230°C)
- Cooking Method: Oven baking
- Calories: 172 per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenders, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch strips
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray, as needed
Optional Substitutions
You can adapt the coating to suit your preferences or use ingredients already available in your kitchen.
- Buttermilk: Replace the beaten egg with light buttermilk and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for approximately one hour before coating.
- Breadcrumbs: Standard breadcrumbs can replace panko for a finer, more uniform crust. If your panko pieces are particularly large, crush them slightly before using.
- Seasonings: Add lemon pepper or extra garlic powder for a different flavor profile.
- Cooking oil: Use a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil brushed onto the chicken if cooking spray is unavailable.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray to help prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Slice the chicken tenders lengthwise into strips approximately ½ inch thick. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg and Breadcrumb Mixture
Crack the egg into a shallow dish and beat until the yolk and white are thoroughly combined.
In a large zip-top freezer bag or covered plastic container, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shake the container thoroughly to distribute the seasonings throughout the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip two chicken strips into the beaten egg, turning them to cover all sides. Allow excess egg to drip off before transferring the pieces into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Seal the bag or cover the container and shake until the chicken is completely coated. Remove the strips and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining chicken, leaving a little space between each piece to encourage even browning.
Step 4: Apply Cooking Spray
Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken strips twice with cooking spray. This helps the breadcrumbs develop a crisp, golden exterior as they bake.
If you do not have cooking spray, use a silicone brush to apply a thin layer of olive or vegetable oil to the coated tenders.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes. Carefully remove the pan and flip each tender using tongs.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 7 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tender to confirm it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness
For an especially crunchy coating, position an oven rack approximately 6 inches from the top heating element and preheat the broiler.
Once the chicken has finished baking, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes, watching them closely to prevent burning. Remove them as soon as the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden.
Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions
This recipe can also be prepared in an air fryer using the same seasoned breadcrumb coating.
- Prepare and bread the chicken strips as directed.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. Work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
- Check the thickest piece with an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the tenders and the air fryer model.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy Chicken Tenders
- Cut the chicken evenly: Try to keep all the strips close to the same thickness. Thin pieces cook quickly, while larger pieces need more time in the oven.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet: Arrange the tenders in a single layer with enough space around each piece. Crowding can trap moisture and prevent the breadcrumbs from crisping properly.
- Check for doneness early: Because the chicken is sliced into thin strips, it may cook faster than expected. Begin checking the internal temperature before the full cooking time has elapsed to avoid dry meat.
- Use a covered container for easy breading: A large container with a secure lid works just as well as a zip-top bag. It also makes coating multiple pieces convenient and reduces the amount of cleanup.
- Do not skip the oil: A light coating of cooking spray or brushed oil helps the breadcrumbs brown and develop a crunchy texture in the oven.
- Make homemade nuggets: Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes instead of strips. Follow the same breading and baking method, checking each piece for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
These baked chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Set out a few dipping options so everyone can choose their favorite.
Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard sauce
- Comeback sauce
- Homemade ketchup
- Barbecue sauce
- Southwest dipping sauce
Side Dishes
- Baked French fries
- Classic Caesar salad
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- Roasted broccoli
For a quick dinner, serve the tenders with a fresh salad and a dipping sauce. For a more substantial meal, add roasted potatoes or fries and your preferred vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
The following estimated nutritional values are provided per serving, based on four servings.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 172 | — |
| Total Fat | 4g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 689mg | 30% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 2% |
| Total Sugars | 1g | — |
| Protein | 17g | 33% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 149mg | 3% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredient brands, portion sizes, and the amount of oil used.
Final Thoughts
Easy baked chicken tenders are a practical choice for a quick homemade dinner. The seasoned panko coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the high oven temperature keeps preparation simple and reduces the need for deep frying.
With straightforward ingredients, easy cleanup, and plenty of serving options, this recipe is easy to adapt for family meals, lunches, or a casual gathering.
