Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders – Easy Recipes for Dinner
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.
Servings: 4 servings
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet in a single layer. Give them a quick spray of cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or over a salad for a lighter twist.