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Crispy Easy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe for Kid-Friendly Meals

crispy baked chicken tenders - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken tenders that are kid-approved and healthier than fried versions. Perfect for busy weeknights with simple pantry ingredients and a golden crunchy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed
  • 1.5 cups (150 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional herbs.
  3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  5. Press each tender into the panko mixture, coating all sides well.
  6. Place the coated tenders on the wire rack and lightly brush olive oil over the tops.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each tender, brush the other side with olive oil, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Brush olive oil on tenders before baking to achieve a crispy crust. Use a wire rack for even air circulation and crispiness. Pat chicken dry before coating to avoid soggy crust. Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even browning. For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, kid-friendly meals, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken tenders, baked chicken, panko chicken