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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are golden brown and perfectly displayed in this featured image.

BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Enjoy the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the guilt! These baked chicken tenders are coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A family-friendly meal that's easy to make and incredibly delicious.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • shallow dish
  • fork
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven
  • Wire rack (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tender strips with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
  5. Take one chicken tender at a time from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
  6. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, use panko breadcrumbs and don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even browning. Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. For variations, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for spice, use different cheeses, or make it gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. You can also cook these in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.