Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Juicy chicken tenders baked to golden crispiness with a flavorful breadcrumb coating.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Coating
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
→ Optional Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
12 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until fully combined.
04 - Combine panko, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl and mix well.
05 - Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Place breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle with oil to enhance crispness.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tenders are golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
08 - Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges as desired.
# Tips from dashanddishes:
01 -
- Golden, crunchy exterior without the oil-splatter drama of deep frying.
- Done in 35 minutes flat, which means dinner before anyone gets hangry.
- Tender, juicy chicken every single time because you're not overcooking them in hot oil.
02 -
- Moisture is the enemy—wet chicken won't get crispy, so don't skip the paper towel step no matter how rushed you are.
- The double breadcrumb technique (panko plus regular crumbs) is what keeps the coating from being too thick or weird-textured.
03 -
- If your breading keeps sliding off, make sure you're letting excess egg drip away and pressing the breadcrumbs on gently but firmly—this adhesion detail changes everything.
- A light spray of cooking oil gives you crispness without the heavy, fried feeling that makes people feel sluggish after eating.