Name: Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 eggs; Cooking spray or olive oil

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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside 🍗—these homemade baked chicken tenders are what I call pure comfort food. I remember the first time I tried baking tenders instead of frying—spoiler: I didn’t miss the deep fryer one bit. These beauties come out of the oven golden and delicious every single time. They’re simple, but don’t let that fool you. With just a few pantry staples, we whip up something the whole family devours. And honestly, who can resist that crunch? 😋 They’re lighter than the fried kind, yet still totally satisfying. I love pairing them with a creamy dip or a crisp salad. Whether you’re prepping dinner in a pinch or batch-cooking for the week, these tenders are the go-to. So grab your baking sheet, let’s make magic happen—one crunchy bite at a time.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
6) Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Chicken recipes next!
9) Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How to keep chicken tenders crispy without frying?
What are some pantry staples that help coat baked chicken tenders?
How long should you bake chicken tenders at 400°F?
What dips go best with baked chicken tenders?

2) Easy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Let’s be real — we’ve all been lured by the golden promise of fried chicken tenders. But guess what? These easy recipes for dinner give you all the crunch without the greasy guilt. I remember standing in my kitchen with breadcrumbs flying like confetti, thinking, “How hard can this be?” Turns out, not hard at all. And way less messy than I expected.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a deep fryer. Just your oven, a few basics, and a bit of love. I like to get my kids involved. One dips the chicken, the other tosses it in breadcrumbs, and somehow no one ends up crying — well, unless we’re out of ranch 😅.

This recipe is one of those easy recipes for dinner that slides into your weekly meal rotation like it’s always been there. It’s warm, reliable, and makes you feel like a kitchen superhero. 🦸‍♀️

3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: You can grab a pack of pre-cut tenders or slice up boneless chicken breasts. Either way, you want pieces that cook fast and stay juicy.

Breadcrumbs: Panko is my go-to. It adds that next-level crunch. If you’ve got leftover sourdough or crackers lying around, crush those and mix them in for a rustic twist.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded, it brings that salty bite and melts just right. I once tried skipping this step — I won’t make that mistake again 😅.

Garlic Powder: Just enough to make your kitchen smell like a little bistro. Trust me, your neighbors will be jealous.

Paprika: Adds warmth and a lovely golden hue. I’m partial to smoked paprika when I want a hint of BBQ magic.

Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip seasoning the coating. A little goes a long way in making these tenders pop.

Eggs: The glue that holds it all together. I like to whisk mine with a splash of milk for extra smooth coating.

Cooking Spray: This helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven. Olive oil spray is perfect — or just brush with oil if you prefer.

4) How to Make Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. That’s your golden zone. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and hit it with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2. In one bowl, whisk your eggs with a little milk. In another bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. That’s your flavor magic right there.

Step 3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so that coating clings like a warm hug.

Step 4. Place the chicken in a single layer on your baking sheet. Don’t crowd them — they need room to crisp up and show off.

Step 5. Give the tops a quick spray or brush with oil. Then bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 6. When they’re golden and firm to the touch, pull them out and let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait — I never do).

5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Want to level things up? Try adding a bit of crushed cornflakes to your coating — they bring insane crunch. I did that once when I was short on breadcrumbs and never looked back. 😄

Work clean and fast. Set up your dredging stations in order, like a little chicken tender assembly line. Egg first, then crumbs, then tray. That rhythm helps with mess and keeps your hands from becoming a sticky monster.

If your tenders aren’t browning like you want, try broiling them for the last minute. Watch closely. That golden crust can turn dark real fast. Trust me — I’ve been there.

6) Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

I love recipes that give me breathing room. These chicken tenders are meal prep gold. 🥇 Make a big batch on Sunday and you’re halfway to winning dinner all week. They reheat like champs — just pop them in the oven or air fryer for five to seven minutes to get the crunch back.

Freeze them too. Lay them flat on a tray after baking, then transfer to a bag once frozen. You’ve basically got homemade chicken nuggets on call. Perfect for late-night cravings or surprise guests.

This is one of those easy recipes for dinner that bends to your schedule. Need lunch in a hurry? Wrap ‘em up with lettuce and your favorite sauce. Need a dinner shortcut? They’re already done. 🙌

7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Let them cool completely before storing, or you’ll trap steam and make them soggy. I pop mine in an airtight container with a paper towel to soak up moisture. They stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

To reheat, I always go oven or air fryer. The microwave works, but you lose the crisp. No one wants floppy tenders, right?

These are great for easy recipes with ground beef sides or tossed into a salad when you’re tired of leftovers but still want something filling. They mix well with everything. Even cold, they’re tasty — not that I’d ever sneak one straight from the fridge at midnight 😏.

8) Try these Chicken recipes next!

9) Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders