Save to Pinterest Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are my answer to crowd-pleasing comfort food without the greasy mess. This recipe delivers perfectly juicy chicken with a golden crust every time and is ideal for weeknight dinners or an easy game day hit that both kids and adults will devour.
The first time I served these at a birthday party the tenders vanished before the fries. My family now requests these at least twice a month and I love how hands off the baking process is no standing over hot oil.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts: Use fresh chicken for tenderness I look for even sized pieces for uniform cooking
- Panko breadcrumbs: These provide the signature crunch Japanese style panko works best for crispiness
- Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add extra crunch Choose unsweetened versions to avoid extra sugar
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor and brings a savory note Opt for pure garlic powder with no added fillers
- Paprika: Adds color and subtle warmth Spanish smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor
- Salt: Essential for seasoning Use a good quality sea salt for best results
- Black pepper: Freshly ground has the brightest heat
- Eggs: Act as the glue to hold all that crispy coating together Look for large eggs with deep golden yolks
- Milk: Helps the egg mixture coat the chicken evenly Whole or two percent works best
- Olive oil spray or olive oil: A light spray boosts crispness without adding too much fat Choose extra virgin for better taste
Instructions
- Prep the Pan and Oven:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and set up your sheet with parchment or a thin layer of oil This stops sticking and ensures golden edges
- Prepare the Breading Mixture:
- Combine panko breadcrumbs crushed cornflakes garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper in a wide shallow dish Mix very well so every bite tastes perfectly seasoned
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat eggs and milk together until smooth and pale yellow This step helps the coating stick uniformly
- Dry the Chicken:
- Pat all chicken strips thoroughly dry with paper towels Moisture prevents a crisp crust so do not skip this part
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Dip each piece into the egg and milk bath turning to coat Let the excess drip off then press it gently into the breadcrumb mixture Cover every side pressing more on if needed
- Arrange on Sheet and Oil:
- Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared pan leaving a little space so the hot air can flow Spray or lightly drizzle olive oil evenly this delivers the deeply golden finish
- Bake and Flip:
- Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes flipping halfway through so both sides get golden and crisp Use tongs so the coating stays in place Bake until juices run clear or a thermometer registers one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit
- Rest and Serve:
- Let your tenders rest for two to three minutes after baking This keeps them juicy and makes them easier to handle for dipping
Save to Pinterest My personal favorite part is the quick flip in the oven the smell of toasted panko makes the kitchen so inviting My youngest always claims the extra crunchy corner pieces and those are secretly my weakness too
Storage Tips
Leftover tenders keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To re crisp bake in a hot oven for about five minutes Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer first then transfer to a freezer bag This way you can pull out just what you need Avoid microwaving if possible since the coating can soften
Ingredient Substitutions
For dairy free use a non dairy milk like oat or almond Swap panko for gluten free rice crumbs or crushed gluten free cornflakes if needed Turkey breast strips work well as a lighter alternative to chicken
Serving Suggestions
Pair with homemade honey mustard ranch barbecue sauce or a spicy yogurt dip Fresh veggie sticks and baked sweet potato fries round out a meal Cut into smaller pieces and toss onto a salad for delicious protein crunch For kids try serving with applesauce or a mild cheese sauce
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Whether for parties or weeknight meals these homemade tenders guarantee satisfaction and crunch every time. Enjoy every bite—no frying required!