Name: Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast (trimmed and cut into 1-inch strips); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 eggs (beaten); 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or homemade); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Cooking spray

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If you crave the crunch of fried chicken but want to avoid the mess and grease of hot oil, these Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. This recipe delivers incredibly crispy results in just 30 minutes, making it a healthier and easier alternative for a quick family dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why these Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders will become a staple in your kitchen. First, there is no hot oil to worry about, which means less mess and a much safer cooking process. Because these are baked rather than deep-fried, they are significantly healthier, containing less fat and fewer calories. Additionally, the recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and the tenders are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep or hosting a large crowd.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast (trimmed and cut into 1-inch strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or homemade)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a shallow bowl or pie pan, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
In a second shallow dish, beat the two eggs until the yolks and whites are fully integrated.
In a third bowl, whisk together the regular breadcrumbs and the panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunchy texture.
Take each chicken strip and dip it first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess at each stage before placing the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Once all the strips are on the pan, spray them lightly with cooking spray to help the exterior turn golden and crispy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F.
Allow the chicken to rest for about five minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To ensure your Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders come out perfectly every time, follow these professional suggestions. The most important step for crispiness is to pat each piece of chicken dry with a fresh paper towel before breading; removing moisture prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Always maintain a high oven temperature of 400 degrees F to “flash dry” the breading into a crunchy shell. When placing the chicken on the baking sheet, leave at least one inch of space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate. Finally, use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken out at 160 degrees F, as carryover cooking will bring it to the food-safe 165 degrees F while it rests, preventing the meat from drying out.

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For an even crunchier bite, try toasting the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet at 375 degrees F for a few minutes before using them for breading. If you enjoy cheesy flavors, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. For those who like heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour. If you want “Crack Chicken” style tenders, mix dry ranch seasoning and crushed bacon bits into the breading, then top with melted cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with classic dipping sauces like homemade honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. For a full meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, air-fried potato wedges, or a fresh green garden salad. If you are serving adults, a crisp dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling (if the chicken is spicy) complements the flavors perfectly.

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To maintain the crispy texture when reheating, place them in a 375-degree F oven for about 10 minutes rather than using a microwave.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	191 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	19g
Fat	3g
Sodium	394mg
Fiber	1g
Iron	1.6mg

FAQ

Why are my baked chicken tenders soggy?

Soggy chicken is usually caused by excess moisture. Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before starting the breading process. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes the chicken to steam rather than crisp.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out in the oven?

The key to juicy chicken is monitoring the internal temperature. Start checking the tenders around the 15-to-20-minute mark. Removing them at an internal temperature of 160 degrees F ensures they stay tender after resting.

How do I get the breading to stay on the chicken?

Follow the three-step dredging process: flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Shaking off the excess flour and letting the excess egg drip off before the final coating ensures the layers bond correctly to the meat.