If you are on the hunt for a dish that hits all the right notes of crunchy, flavorful, and downright satisfying, this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute winner. It transforms simple chicken tenderloins into a golden, crunchy delight that’s oven-baked to perfection—no deep frying required! With a delectable coating of toasted panko breadcrumbs and a tangy mustard-infused batter, it brings a vibrant taste and irresistible texture to your plate. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, friends, or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe has an effortless charm that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe relies on humble ingredients that pack an incredible punch. Each one plays a vital role, from the crispy texture of toasted panko to the tangy richness of dijon mustard, creating a balanced and delicious dish.
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: These crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs deliver the perfect light and crispy coating.
- Oil spray: Ensures a golden bake without unnecessary grease, helping to crisp the tenders evenly in the oven.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the coating on the chicken while adding moisture.
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds a subtle creaminess to the batter, helping with tenderness and flavor.
- 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard: Brings a tangy bite that brightens the overall taste and complements the chicken.
- 2 tbsp flour: Provides structure to the batter so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the chicken just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- 500 g/1 lb chicken tenderloins: The star of the show, tender and quick-cooking, perfect for this recipe.
- Additional oil spray: For a final light coat to help crisp the coating during baking.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Panko
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly across a baking tray, giving them a quick spray of oil—spray vertically to avoid sending breadcrumbs flying. Toast them for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a lovely light golden. This toasting step builds extra crunch and a nuttier flavor foundation that takes the chicken tenders to the next level.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Setup
Place a cooling rack on top of a baking tray. While not essential, baking on a rack allows air to circulate around the chicken tenders, giving you a crispier finish on all sides instead of just the bottom.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, flour, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This tangy, creamy batter forms the perfect sticky base for holding the crunchy coating on your chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenderloins
Add the chicken tenderloins into the batter, tossing well to ensure every piece is fully coated. This step is key to creating that luscious crust that crisps in the oven while locking in juicy flavor inside.
Step 5: Crumb the Chicken
Using tongs, transfer each battered chicken tender into the toasted panko breadcrumbs bowl. Sprinkle additional breadcrumbs over the surface of the chicken and gently press to help them stick. This double layer of panko creates the signature crispy crust that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the crumbed chicken tenders onto the prepared rack and give them a light spray of oil. You can sprinkle a pinch of salt if you like a little extra seasoning. Bake for 15 minutes for medium-sized pieces or up to 20 minutes for larger tenders. Keep an eye on them because any longer could dry out that juicy chicken we all love!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked golden and crisp, remove your chicken tenders from the oven and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Simple, irresistible, and downright delicious!
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and freshness that complements the crispy coating beautifully. For an extra twist, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the whole dish, enhancing those savory flavors.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced plate that keeps the meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to step up your presentation? Try stacking the tenders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces, like spicy aioli, ranch, or barbecue. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders with mini buns, fresh lettuce, and pickles for an irresistible handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain that great texture.
Reheating
To revive their crispiness, reheat the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This method helps keep the crust crunchy instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips about 1.5 cm thick and lengthwise to mimic tenders. Just adjust baking time slightly according to thickness, as thicker pieces take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep it crispy and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! The creamy element comes from mayonnaise, which is naturally dairy-free in most brands. Just be sure to check your mayonnaise label and skip any butter or cheese additions.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?
Classic choices like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo all pair beautifully. Don’t hesitate to experiment with whatever you love—fresh, tangy, or spicy sauces all elevate the dish.
How do I keep my chicken tenders crispy for longer?
Serving immediately after baking is best, but if you need to wait, keep them warm on a wire rack in a low oven (around 100°C/210°F). This keeps moisture from building up and keeps the crust crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is a gem, turning a simple dinner into a special moment with its perfect crunch and delightful flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests. Give it a try and watch these golden tenders disappear from your plate in no time—your new favorite meal has arrived!
PrintCrispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering a crunchy, golden breadcrumb coating on tender chicken pieces baked to perfection. This recipe uses a flavorful batter of egg, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to ensure the panko crumbs stick well and create a satisfyingly crisp crust, all prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Breading:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil spray, for toasting and baking
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Batter:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or other mustard)
Main Ingredient:
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5 cm thick slices, lengthwise)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180° fan-forced) to get the cooking environment ready for baking the chicken tenders.
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray and lightly spray them with oil, spraying vertically to prevent the breadcrumbs from blowing away. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn light golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Place a wire rack on a baking tray. This is optional but helps the chicken bake more evenly by allowing air to circulate underneath.
- Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Add the chicken tenderloins to this batter and toss them so they are thoroughly coated.
- Crumb the Chicken: Using tongs, pick up each battered chicken piece and place it into the bowl of toasted panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the top surface with more breadcrumbs and press gently so the crumbs adhere well.
- Arrange on Tray: Transfer the crumb-coated chicken tenders onto the baking tray with the rack. Repeat the crumbing for all tenders.
- Spray and Season: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with oil and optionally sprinkle a bit of salt on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes for medium-sized tenders, or up to 20 minutes for larger pieces. Avoid baking longer than 20 minutes to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and serve immediately. Pair them with your choice of sauce, such as honey mustard, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Note 1: Toasting the panko before using gives the chicken tenders an extra crispy texture and a lovely golden color.
- Note 2: Honey mustard sauce pairs perfectly with these chicken tenders for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- For best results, use chicken tenderloins or uniformly cut chicken breast pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Using a wire rack helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the coating crispy.
