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Baked Chicken Tenders

Baked Chicken Tenders

Golden, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside baked chicken tenders that the whole family will love. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, these oven-baked tenders skip the frying but deliver all the crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or dipping into your favorite sauce.

4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min · Total 35 min

American · Dinner · Main Course

Ingredients

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Main

  • 1.5 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch strips
  • chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • cooking spray

Coating

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cooking Spray
  • Paper Towel
  • Wire Rack
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Instructions

  1. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![425°F]. Line a #[Baking Sheet] with a wire rack and lightly coat the rack with #[Cooking Spray] or brush with @[Olive Oil]. Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate under the tenders for an all-around crispy crust.
  2. Set up a two-bowl dredging station. In the first bowl, whisk together the @[Eggs] and @[Dijon Mustard] (if using). In the second bowl, combine the @[Panko Breadcrumbs], @[Parmesan Cheese], @[Garlic Powder], @[Onion Powder], @[Paprika], @[Kosher Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Pat the @[Chicken Tenders] dry with #[Paper Towel]. Working one at a time, dip each tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on all sides to coat evenly. Place on the prepared wire rack.
  4. Lightly drizzle or spray the coated tenders with @[Olive Oil] or #[Cooking Spray] — this is key for achieving a golden, crispy crust without frying. Bake for ~[18–22 minutes], flipping once halfway through, until the coating is deep golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches %[165°F].
  5. Remove from the #[Oven] and let rest for ~[2–3 minutes] before serving. Serve with honey mustard, ranch dressing, ketchup, or your family's favorite dipping sauce.