Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re like me, chicken tenders are a staple in your kitchen. There’s just something about those crispy, tender pieces of chicken that make them such a hit at the dinner table. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal, a family gathering, or just because you’re in the mood for something comforting, chicken tenders are the answer. But here’s the thing—making homemade baked chicken tenders is so much better than the frozen or fast-food versions you’re used to. You can control the ingredients, add your favorite spices, and bake them to perfection without the hassle or mess of deep-frying. Plus, they come out just as crispy and delicious, if not more!

So, if you’re ready to make some mouthwatering, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside baked chicken tenders, keep reading. I’m going to walk you through the whole process, step by step, and share a few extra tips to make sure your tenders turn out perfect every single time.

Why Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a Game-Changer

I get it. Sometimes, the thought of cooking after a long day sounds exhausting. But here’s the beauty of these homemade baked chicken tenders—they’re so easy to make, and the result is something that feels special without taking up all your time or energy. Baking chicken tenders means no frying, no greasy splatters on the stove, and no messy cleanup. And since you’re controlling exactly what goes into them, you know you’re getting a healthier option compared to fast food. These baked chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and totally customizable. You can make them as mild or as spicy as you like, or even experiment with different coatings if you’re feeling adventurous.

These tenders are perfect for family meals, parties, or even meal prep for the week ahead. What I love most about them is how versatile they are. You can serve them with just about anything: mashed potatoes, a side salad, or even dipped in your favorite sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this easy homemade baked chicken tender recipe. Don’t worry, it’s nothing complicated—just simple ingredients that come together to make an amazing meal.

• 1 pound chicken tenders – You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just slice them into strips. But chicken tenders have a natural tenderness that makes them perfect for this recipe.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – I use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but panko works well too if you like an even crunchier coating. It’s all about your personal preference!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor and makes the crust golden and delicious.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – You can’t go wrong with garlic powder. It brings the savory kick that makes these tenders irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – A little onion powder balances out the garlic flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika gives these tenders a beautiful color and adds a slight smokiness.
• Salt and pepper – About 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper should do the trick, but feel free to adjust to taste.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – The flour helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• 2 large eggs – You’ll beat these eggs to create a coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Olive oil spray – A light mist of olive oil helps the tenders crisp up without the need for deep-frying.

Now, before you rush to the kitchen, one quick note: You can totally customize this recipe to your liking. If you like your tenders extra spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. The best part about homemade chicken tenders is that you can make them exactly how you like them.

How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden brown crunch. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier.

Set Up Your Breading Station

A breading station makes everything a lot easier and less messy. You’ll need three shallow bowls or dishes to coat the chicken tenders:

1. Flour Mixture: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful base.
2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
3. Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This is the crunchy, cheesy coating that will give the tenders that irresistible golden crust.

Coat the Chicken

Now comes the fun part—coating the chicken tenders! Here’s how to do it:

1. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated well. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. You’ll want a nice, even coating of crumbs all over the chicken tender.

Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping. If the tenders are too close together, they might not get as crispy.

Give Them a Little Spray of Olive Oil

To help the tenders crisp up and get that golden-brown finish, lightly spray them with olive oil. Just a quick mist will do. The oil helps the breading bake up crispy without all the frying oil. Trust me, it’s the secret to getting that perfect crunch!

Bake the Chicken Tenders

Once the tenders are ready, slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here to make sure they’re cooked through. If you don’t have one, just cut into the thickest part of a tender to check that it’s no longer pink.

I recommend flipping the tenders halfway through baking to ensure they get evenly crispy on both sides.

Let Them Rest

Once the tenders are baked to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them nice and juicy inside. It’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the fun part—serving and enjoying your homemade baked chicken tenders. These are great on their own, or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. My go-to’s are honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce, but you can mix it up however you like. You can even pair them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. These tenders are great for dipping, snacking, or just enjoying as a simple, satisfying meal.

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

Here are a few additional tips to make sure your homemade baked chicken tenders turn out amazing:

• Dry your chicken: Before breading the tenders, make sure they’re dry by patting them down with paper towels. This helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick better.
• Don’t skip the flour: The flour helps create a base for the breadcrumbs to adhere to. Skipping this step could result in breading that falls off during baking.
• Add your favorite spices: If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, try adding some chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. It’s a fun way to experiment with different flavors!
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave a little space between each chicken tender on the baking sheet. This will help them bake evenly and get that crispiness you want.
• Reheat the tenders properly: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid the microwave, or they’ll lose that crunch.

Why These Chicken Tenders are Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the reasons I love making homemade baked chicken tenders is that they’re great for meal prep. You can make a big batch, store them in an airtight container, and then enjoy them throughout the week. They’re perfect for adding to salads, wraps, or even just reheating for a quick snack.

These tenders freeze well too! After baking and letting them cool, you can store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, and they’ll be just as crispy as when they were first made.

Final Thoughts

Homemade baked chicken tenders are a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have perfectly crispy chicken tenders without the mess of frying. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just because you’re in the mood for something easy and tasty, this recipe is a total winner.

So give it a try next time you want to impress your family (or just treat yourself to some amazing homemade chicken tenders). Trust me, you won’t regret it!