Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders are a delightful, crispy, and healthy option for a meal or snack. They are simple to make and taste much better than store-bought versions. You can prepare them for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. With minimal preparation, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders right from your kitchen.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it is easy to follow, making it great for cooks of all skill levels. Second, these baked chicken tenders are healthier than fried ones since they use no oil for frying. Instead, they are baked in the oven, keeping them light and crisp. Third, you can customize the flavor by adding your favorite spices or dipping sauces. This recipe is also perfect for kids who enjoy finger foods. Lastly, making chicken tenders at home saves money and time, allowing you to create a family-friendly dish from scratch.

HOW TO MAKE Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

Making Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders is straightforward and does not require any special cooking skills. You need to gather all the ingredients and equipment before you start. Once everything is ready, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Three mixing bowls
Whisk or fork (for the eggs)
Oven

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

HOW TO SERVE Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

You can serve Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders in various ways. They are excellent with dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup. You can place them on a large platter with several dips for a fun party snack. Additionally, serve them alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For kids’ parties or playdates, pair them with fruits and veggies for a colorful plates.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

If you have leftovers, you can store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain their crispiness.

You can also freeze the breaded chicken tenders before baking. Place the uncooked coated tenders on a tray to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months. Bake directly from the freezer but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve with a side of carrot and cucumber sticks for a fresh crunch.
Pair with a simple green salad and vinaigrette dressing.
Offer a platter with various dipping sauces for a fun touch.
Create a chicken tender wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of sauce in a tortilla.

VARIATIONS

You can try different flavors to change up this recipe. Consider these variations:

Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
Herb-Infused Tenders: Mix dried herbs like oregano and basil into the breadcrumbs for an Italian twist.
Cheesy Chicken Tenders: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy flavor.
Panko Chicken Tenders: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed before cutting and breading to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

3. How can I ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

4. Can I bake more than one tray at a time?

Yes, you can bake multiple trays in the oven. Just be sure to rotate them halfway through cooking for even baking.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders

You can prepare the chicken tenders in advance to save time later. Here’s how:

Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken and coat it with the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also freeze them at this stage.
Store for Later: Cover the coated chicken tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This keeps them fresh and is an excellent way to have a quick meal ready.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders without the last-minute rush in the kitchen.

These crispy tenders are perfect for families who also love our crispy chicken Caesar sandwich and want to use the same chicken preparation in different ways. For a complete kid-friendly meal, pair them with our cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage for a dinner everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for more chicken variations, our cheesy garlic chicken wraps offers another family-friendly option that’s equally easy to prepare.

Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy and healthy baked chicken tenders that are easy to make and customizable with your favorite spices and dipping sauces.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
1 cup breadcrumbs Regular or panko breadcrumbs can be used.
1/2 cup flour All-purpose or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
2 large eggs Beaten eggs for binding the breading.
1 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika For flavor and color.
to taste salt and pepper Season to your preference.
as needed cooking spray or olive oil To lightly coat the chicken tenders before baking.

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Baking

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can freeze the breaded chicken tenders before baking and bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.