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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180° fan-forced) to get the cooking environment ready for baking the chicken tenders.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Arrange on Tray: Transfer the crumb-coated chicken tenders onto the baking tray with the rack. Repeat the crumbing for all tenders.
  7. Spray and Season: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with oil and optionally sprinkle a bit of salt on top for extra flavor.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.