If you are craving that perfect balance of crunch and juicy tenderness, this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a healthier twist on classic fried chicken tenders that never sacrifices on flavor or texture. With a golden, panko-packed crust and a tangy, moist interior, these tenders come together effortlessly for a satisfying meal the whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is such a breeze because it relies on simple, well-chosen ingredients that each bring something special. From the crunch of toasted panko to the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, each component plays a vital role in making these tenders absolutely irresistible.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides an ultra-crispy texture that stays crunchy even after baking.
- Oil spray: Helps toast the panko and crisp the tenders without deep frying.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the coating on the chicken firmly.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps create a rich, tender batter.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy depth to the flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Flour: Creates structure in the batter for a nice, even coating.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken impeccably.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
- Chicken tenderloins (or breast slices): The star protein, perfectly sized for quick cooking and tender bites.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180° fan-forced). Preheating is crucial—it ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and the panko becomes perfectly golden and crunchy. Trust me, a hot oven makes all the difference in baking crispiness.
Step 2: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a thin, even layer on a baking tray. Give them a light spray of oil, holding your sprayer vertically to avoid blowing the panko off the tray. Bake for about 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely until they turn a beautiful light golden color. This step amps up the crunch factor and adds a lovely toasted flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Place a wire rack onto a baking tray. Laying the chicken tenders on a rack instead of directly on a baking sheet allows hot air to circulate all around the meat, which means a crispier, evenly cooked crust. While not absolutely mandatory, this technique really lifts your Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe to the next level.
Step 4: Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken
Whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and combined. This flavorful batter ensures the panko sticks beautifully and the tenders stay juicy. Add your chicken pieces into the batter and gently toss until each tender is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Toasted Panko
Next, transfer the toasted panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl or dish. Working one by one, dredge each batter-coated chicken tender in the panko, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. This step is where the magic happens—your chicken will get a delightfully crunchy crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Arrange the panko-coated chicken tenders on the prepared rack, spacing them out so they bake evenly. Give them a light spray of oil on top as well; this final touch helps achieve a golden crunch without frying. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Once done, the tenders should be crisp, tender, and ready to devour.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, consider fresh, vibrant garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika to add color and brightness. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens up the rich flavors and complements the crispy crust perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken tenders with sides that balance and enhance the dish. Crispy potato wedges, a creamy coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad bring contrast in textures and flavors that complete the meal wonderfully. For a bit of fun, try offering a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, arrange your tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of various sauces. You can also stack them like mini sandwiches with lettuce and tomato for a handheld delight. Serving alongside colorful veggies or sweet potato fries adds a playful, inviting touch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain their crispy coating as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze these chicken tenders either before or after baking. For best results, freeze them unbaked after coating, placed on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve that irresistible crunch, pop the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While regular breadcrumbs will work, they won’t give you the same light, airy crunch that panko provides. For the signature crispy texture of this recipe, panko is definitely the way to go.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the batter?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness to the batter, helping the coating stick and keeping the tenders juicy. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a little sour cream if preferred, but it enhances the flavor beautifully.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast lengthwise into 2 to 3 centimeter thick strips for even cooking. The recipe works perfectly with either option.
How long do the tenders stay crispy after baking?
They’re best enjoyed fresh right out of the oven for maximum crunch. If storing leftovers, reheating in the oven will help restore some crispness, but over time they will soften a bit.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko or substitute with crushed gluten-free cornflakes, and make sure to use gluten-free flour. This makes the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together ease, flavor, and that mouthwatering crunch we all crave. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, it’s a recipe you will return to again and again. Give it a try and savor every perfectly crispy bite!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy oven-baked chicken tenders made with toasted panko breadcrumbs and a flavorful mustard-mayo batter. This easy recipe ensures perfectly cooked tenders with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil spray
Batter
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard (or other mustard)
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5 cm thick slices, lengthwise)
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F or 180°C fan-forced to ensure it is hot enough for baking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray. Spray the panko lightly with oil by spraying vertically to avoid blowing the crumbs off the tray, then bake them for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a light golden color. Remove from oven and transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Place a wire rack on top of a baking tray to allow air circulation beneath the chicken for even baking and crispier tenders. This step is optional but recommended.
- Make Batter and Coat Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter and toss until each piece is fully coated.
- Coat Chicken with Toasted Panko: Remove each battered chicken tender from the bowl, allowing excess batter to drip off, then roll and press into the toasted panko to coat thoroughly. Ensure an even and generous coating for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders on the wire rack arranged on the baking tray. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through baking to ensure even crisping. Bake until chicken is cooked through and the exterior is crunchy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, oven-baked chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
- Toasting the panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch and flavor to the coating.
- Using a wire rack on the baking tray helps the heat circulate around the chicken for even cooking and crispiness.
- You can swap dijon mustard for any other type of mustard if desired.
- If you want extra crispiness, spray both the panko coating and the chicken tenders with oil before baking.
- Chicken can be substituted with chicken breast sliced into strips, but avoid slicing too thin to keep meat juicy.
