If you're in need of a kid-friendly dinner that will please even the pickiest of eaters, you're in luck. These baked chicken tenders couldn't be simpler to make—and they're a healthier option than deep-fried chicken. Skip the drive-thru and try this no-fuss dinner that everyone at your table will love.
Why Bake Chicken Tenders?
There are plenty of reasons to make baked chicken tenders instead of breaking out your deep fryer: They require a lot less oil than their deep-fried counterparts, which makes them a lighter alternative. Plus, this oven-baked method is incredibly easy (not to mention it makes cleanup a breeze).
How to Bake Chicken Tenders
Nobody will believe how simple it is to make these baked chicken tenders. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's what you can expect when you make these baked chicken tenders:
Make Breading
Crack a whole egg into a shallow dish. In a zip-top bag, combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Dredge Chicken
Dip the chicken in the egg (on each side), place in the zip-top bag, seal, and shake to coat. Place the coated tenders on a foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenderloins. Spray each tender with cooking spray.
Bake Chicken Tenders
Bake the chicken tenders at 450 degrees F for about 7 minutes on each side. Broil the chicken for about 2 more minutes for an extra crunch.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders
This recipe will produce perfectly baked chicken tenders in under 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 450 degrees F. When the chicken tenderloins are done, the juices will run clear and an instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.
Dipping Sauce for Baked Chicken Tenders
You can't serve baked chicken tenders without a dipping sauce (or two). Try one of these crowd-pleasing ideas:
Homemade Ketchup
Yummy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Comeback Sauce
A Very Popular BBQ Sauce
Southwest Dipping Sauce
Plus, explore our entire collection of Sauces and Condiments.
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Tenders
While it's perfectly acceptable to pair these baked chicken tenders with frozen fries or tots, you could take dinner up a notch with one of these homemade side dish recipes:
Baked French Fries
Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad
Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Simply Steamed Asparagus
Easy Roasted Broccoli
Explore our entire collection of Side Dishes.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Served this evening with honey mustard dipping sauce, and they were a hit," says Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat. "As a side note, this recipe could be easily adapted to an air fryer. Thanks for sharing your recipe, I will make this again."
"Super easy to make," according to wrcitizen94. "I didn't have a spray bottle for oil, so I lightly brushed oil with a basting brush on each side. Cooked for 9 min on each side (I live at high latitude). Received thumbs up at dinner. We'll make it again!!!"
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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cooking spray
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 ¼ cups panko bread crumbs
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon ground paprika
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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4 skinless, boneless chicken tenders, cut into 1/2-inch strips lengthwise
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
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Place egg in a shallow dish. Place panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a large zip-top freezer bag and mix well.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Dip 2 chicken strips into egg, then place into panko mixture and shake to coat. Place coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Spray each chicken tender with cooking spray twice.
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Bake tenders in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Flip and continue to bake on opposite side until no longer pink in the centers, about 7 minutes more. Remove from the oven.
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Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
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Broil tenders in the preheated oven for extra crunch, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 172 | Calories |
| 4g | Fat |
| 26g | Carbs |
| 17g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 172 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 4g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium 689mg | 30% |
| Total Carbohydrate 26g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 17g | 33% |
| Vitamin C 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium 18mg | 1% |
| Iron 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium 149mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
