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There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into chicken tenders that are perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside and without the guilt of deep frying. You’ve likely searched for that flawless recipe that brings out that wonderful crunch in the oven, and here it is. Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of golden-baked tenders, your fingers just dipping the juicy chicken into some honey mustard sauce. This recipe delivers truly crispy oven baked chicken tenders that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Healthy & Delicious Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Truly Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders that deliver a crunchy, golden crust and juicy interior—an easy and flavorful oven-baked recipe.
Ingredients
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 1/2 cups (toasted)
Oil spray – as needed
Egg – 1
Mayonnaise – 1 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 1 1/2 tbsp
Flour – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1/2 tsp
Black pepper – to taste
Chicken tenderloins – 500 g / 1 lb
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan)
2. Toast panko breadcrumbs with oil spray for 3-5 minutes
3. Whisk together egg, mayo, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper
4. Coat chicken in the batter
5. Press chicken into toasted panko crumbs to coat
6. Place on baking tray with rack, spray lightly with oil
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through
8. Serve immediately with dipping sauce and parsley
Notes
Toasting the panko before coating ensures a crispy crust.
Use oil spray instead of pouring oil to keep crumbs intact.
Do not overbake to keep chicken juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why Choose Oven Baked Chicken Tenders?
Oven baking your chicken tenders means less oil but all the flavor and crunch you crave. This method:
- Ensures a light, crispy texture with golden panko crumbs
- Cuts down on mess and calories from deep frying
- Lets you customize your batter with flavorful mustard and mayo for moisture retention and tang
- Cooks quickly with minimal hands-on time
Ingredients for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 1/2 cups | For maximum crunch (toasted) |
| Oil spray | As needed | To help toast & crisp crumbs |
| Egg | 1 | Binds batter |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp | Keeps chicken juicy |
| Dijon mustard | 1 1/2 tbsp | Adds flavor & slight tang |
| Flour | 2 tbsp | Helps batter stick |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Enhances taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds subtle spice |
| Chicken tenderloins | 500 g / 1 lb | Can substitute chicken breast slices |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
- Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (390°F), or 180°C (fan-forced). Prepare for toasting the panko. - Toast the Panko
Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray. Spray lightly with oil vertically (to avoid blowing crumbs). Bake for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a bowl. - Prepare the Batter
Whisk together egg, mayo, dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. - Coat the Chicken
Add chicken tenderloins to the batter, tossing to coat thoroughly. - Crumb the Chicken
Using tongs, pick up each battered piece, place into the toasted panko, sprinkle more crumbs on top, and press lightly to adhere. - Bake
Arrange crumbed chicken on a baking tray lined with a rack for even cooking. Lightly spray with oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Bake for 15 minutes for medium tenders or up to 20 minutes for thicker pieces. - Serve Hot
Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, like honey mustard, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
- Toasting the panko before coating guarantees unbeatable crunchiness.
- Use oil spray lightly for a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Don’t overbake; chicken tendsers dry out beyond 20 minutes.
- Freshly ground black pepper elevated the flavor subtly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but panko breadcrumbs give a much crispier, lighter texture that works best here.
Q: What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo complement the crunchy tenders perfectly.
Q: Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, just use a bigger baking tray or two trays. Make sure chicken pieces aren’t crowded to maintain crispiness.