Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Juicy, oven-baked chicken tenders coated in a golden, crunchy crust—a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dredging

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ For the Pan

10 - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
02 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
03 - Whisk the eggs and milk in another bowl until thoroughly blended.
04 - Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels to promote even coating.
05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
06 - Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil for optimal crispiness.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping tenders once halfway through, until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
08 - Allow chicken to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Crispy and golden exterior with super juicy chicken inside
  • Bakes up in just over half an hour for quick weeknight meals
  • Kid-approved and adult-friendly for every type of eater
  • Less oil than frying so you can enjoy comfort food lighter
  • Uses everyday pantry staples making it easy on the grocery budget
02 -
  • High protein and naturally nut free so it fits many diets
  • Freezes beautifully before or after baking for future meals
  • Just a couple minutes of hands-on work thanks to oven baking
03 -
  • Letting the chicken strips air dry on a rack for five minutes before baking really helps the crust stay on
  • If your breading mixture gets clumped up halfway through toss in a sprinkle of fresh panko and cornflakes so every piece is just as crunchy
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