Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders


I love chicken tenders, but I hate always having to pull out the deep fryer.  The problem with oven baked tenders is that they are never crispy and delicious like their fried counterpart.  So, I was experimenting and found the perfect way to bake crispy and juicy chicken tenders.  The key is panko bread crumbs and vegetable spray.


Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

The first step is to prep the chicken tenders.  Trim the fat and remove the tendon.  Then season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Season the tenders

Next set up the dredging stations.  First, add 1 cup of flour to a shallow dish.  Then season the flour with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.  Then add three eggs, 1 tbs dijon mustard, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to another shallow dish or bowl.  Whisk together.

The egg wash

Finally add 1 cup of panko bread crumbs and 2 tsp of paprika to a third shallow dish.  The paprika helps to give the tenders a nice brown color when cooked.  Remember we eat with our eyes too. For dishes, I like pie plates as they provide a nice medium for dipping the tenders.

Panko Breadcrumbs

To bread the tenders, place the tenders into the flour and coat.  Shake the tenders to remove excess flour and then dip them into the egg mixture.

Into the egg wash

Finally place the egg drenched tenders into the panko bread crumbs.

Bread with the Panko

Place the tenders on a greased rack that is placed over a baking sheet.

Fully Breaded

Once all of the tenders are breaded spray them lightly with vegetable spray.  Make sure to spray both sides.  As you can see from the picture once sprayed the tenders start to look delicious.  The two tenders on the bottom have yet to be sprayed.  The vegetable spray is key as it causes the panko bread crumbs to crisp and brown.

Spray with vegetable spray

Place the tray into the preheated 425 degree oven for 15-17 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the breading is nicely browned.

Perfectly Cooked

Remove and serve.

5 from 6 votes
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Perfectly crisp and delicious oven baked chicken tenders.
Servings: 3 -4
Author: Rex
Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tbs dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • vegetable spray
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. The first step is to prep the chicken tenders. Trim the fat and remove the tendon. Then season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Next setup the dredging stations. First add 1 cup of flour to a shallow dish. Then season the flour with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Then add three eggs, 1 tbs dijon mustard, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to another shallow dish or bowl. Whisk together.
  4. Finally add 1 cup of panko bread crumbs and 2 tsp of paprika to a third shallow dish.
  5. To bread the tenders, place the tenders into the flour and coat. Shake the tenders to remove excess flour and then dip them into the egg mixture.
  6. Finally place the egg drenched tenders into the panko bread crumbs.
  7. Place the tenders on a greased rack that is placed over a baking sheet.
  8. Once all of the tenders are breaded spray them lightly with vegetable spray. Make sure to spray both sides.
  9. Place the tray into the preheated 425 degree oven for 15-17 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the breading is nicely browned.
  10. Remove and serve.

These were some of the most delicious tenders that I have ever eaten.

Awesome Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

The chicken was moist and the breading was crispy and delicious.

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

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34 thoughts on “Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

  1. Looks like a simple and delicious way to make these. And probably much healthier.

    You know me, Rex, I gotta ask what sauce you like to serve with these tenders? I'm thinking something creamy and cool and savory, even a homemade onion dip. Or a big, bold bbq sauce or hot sauce.

    1. Brian, I love a nice bbq sauce with my tenders. I am working on a post for my new go to bbq sauce. It should be ready later this week. Sometimes I eat them on a sandwich with some marinara too. Delicious.

    2. I found a McDonalds knock off hot mustard, but takes a few days for the flavours to come together so it’s not a make and immediately eat and it worked out great.

  2. I have to admit, I hate oven fried stuff but those do NOT look oven fried at all. Great tip about the Pam.

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  5. I do like this baked chicken tenders and here is just what I would like to bake for my family and fro my friends. I just really want to eat it all.

  6. The highest compliment anyone can receive is from a teenager! My 16 y/o stepson told me it was really good!!! Since I always buy jumbo eggs I only used two and after I sprayed them with canola oil I dusted them with paprika. Many thanks!

  7. I once ran out of whole wheat flour so I used ground flax seed instead as the 1st step in the dredging process. Noticed that paprika was getting lost when I mixed it with the panko. Now I sprinkle all the tenders, both sides,with paprika right before I pop them in the oven.

  8. Just tested this recipe for use in my food science class (breading technique and healthier options baked vs. fried) – I am amazed, the tenders are juicy with a nice crunch! Thanks so much!
    I also made my own honey mustard: prepared yellow mustard, honey, and crushed red pepper – tasty!

  9. These are the best chicken tenders I ever had! I personally am a chicken lover… I love chickens, not just the meat! After having many chickens throughout the years please remember they are actually really smart animals and fun to watch and snuggle with as well! They each have their own personality and are very very smart animals Anyway… Because of that please try to buy more humane varieties of chicken (and eggs!) Yes… It is more expensive. But the chickens are taken care of and are at least able to enjoy their life before they are quickly and humanely slaughtered.

    1. Continued….Anyway back to the recipie… I tend to enjoy them a little spicier so I add more cayenne pepper. Not a lot more, as it is a strong spice and you can always add more, but you can't take away! I like to dip them in ranch. If you are trying to eat healthier I recommend making your own ranch using a ranch packet and greek yogurt. Be careful not to put too much of the ranch packet in with the yogurt, it only needs a little. Also if you have freeze dried or fresh dill that also adds to the flavor. You can thin it out with a little milk if desired. It tastes just like ranch, I served this at a dinner I had and no one even knew. They were asking where I got the ranch from because it was so good!

  10. We eat chicken tenders at least once a week. My recipe is similar, but maybe a few less steps. I prepare the raw tenders the same way as above, but pat dry with paper towel. Slather with regular mayonaise and roll in crumbs, which consist of, 3 cups of crushed Rice Krispies, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, all mixed together and put on paper plate for rolling chicken.
    I line my cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken on the tray and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Crispy, and delicious every time! Been using this recipe for the last 15+ years. My families favorite. Got the recipe off the Rice Krispie box! Enjoy!

    1. That is interesting. Never would have thought to try mayonaise and Rice Krispies on chicken. Thanks for the comment. I will have to try that someday.

  11. Everyone in the family loves these! I’ve made them a number of times already. Can you tell me if they can be made ahead of time and frozen?

    1. Jeanne,

      You could totatlly make these ahead of time. Assemble and then place onto a sheet pan in a single layer. Then place into the freezer. Once frozen remove from the pan and place into a zip top bag. To cook follow the same directions, but they will take another 5-10 minutes since they are starting from frozen.

      Glad you enjoy the recipe.

      Rex

  12. I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoy these, too! Have made many, many times now and love them! Thank you for the recipe!!! 🙂

  13. 5 stars
    I’ve made these chicken fingers three times now. They quickly became a family favorite! It’s unbelievable how crunchy they are. I do find that a cup of Pablo isn’t quite enough, so I use a cup and a half with 3 tbsp of paprika. Thanks for the recipe!!

  14. 5 stars
    Single, retired gentleman here. I made these following the recipe exactly as is. They came out amazing. Spraying both sides with cooking spray and cooking on the rack added the great crispiness. Thanks for the great recipe.

  15. 5 stars
    Made these tonight for dinner, served with sliced tomatoes, celery and carrots. Added some ASV as a dip as well as blue cheese dressing and BBQ sauce. My husband LoVeD them, said they were the best! Great weekend food! And better tasting than a local chain chicken wing restaurant. Thank you!

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