Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

I absolutely love this Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe because it delivers that perfect golden crunch without any deep frying. You’ll find that baking them lets the chicken stay juicy inside while the crumb coating gets irresistibly crisp, making it a total crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game-day snack, these tenders work wonders when you want something tasty but a bit lighter than fried versions.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how crunchy and flavorful the tenders turned out with just a simple homemade breadcrumb mix and seasoning. Plus, the method is straightforward, which means you don’t have to be a kitchen pro to nail it. If you want to wow your family or guests, this Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is definitely one to add to your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make this Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe so special. The panko breadcrumbs bring that sought-after crunch, and the parmesan adds a subtle savory twist that you might not expect but will love.

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast: I prefer tenders for their tenderness, but sliced breast works just fine.
• Flour: Helps the coating stick better—don’t skip this step!
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs give the extra crunch you’re after.
• Butter: Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds richness and golden color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor depth and slight crispiness; optional but recommended.
• Egg & Milk: Creates the perfect “glue” for coating the chicken evenly.
• Spices (Paprika, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne): A flavorful blend that livens up the crisp coating.
• Oil Spray: To ensure the coating crisps up nicely in the oven.

Variations

I love tweaking this Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe to suit whatever mood or occasion I’m in. Feel free to experiment with the spice mix or swap breadcrumbs depending on what you have in your pantry. This recipe is super forgiving and perfect for personalization!

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or chili powder if you want your tenders with a serious heat punch—I sometimes do this for game nights.
• Herb Lover’s Twist: Mix in dried Italian herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant variation I adore.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe friendly for sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil and skip the parmesan; I’ve done this and still got great results!

How to Make Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

Start by melting a heaping tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Toss in your panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly for about 5 minutes or until they turn a beautiful light golden color. This step takes the coating from good to amazing by adding nuttiness and extra crispiness. I discovered this trick after burning a batch of plain breadcrumbs once—it truly makes all the difference!

Step 2: Prepare Your Spice Mix

In a small bowl, blend together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This spice mix is the flavor backbone for your coats, so don’t skimp on seasoning. Sprinkle some of this mix into your flour and the rest will be added to the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Line up three large bowls: in the first, combine flour and a teaspoon of the spice mix; in the second, whisk together the egg and milk; in the third, mix the toasted panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and the remaining spice mix. This three-step coating process ensures each tender gets thoroughly covered and crispy from every angle.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

One by one, dip each tender first into the flour bowl, coating well, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the crumbs onto the chicken to get a nice thick crust. I like to space them out on the tray as I go to avoid crowding.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking tray—ideally elevated on a wire rack to let air circulate all around for max crispiness. Give them a generous spray of oil and pop them in an oven preheated to 200°C (390°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t scorch, and reduce the oven temperature if needed. Once golden and piping hot inside, transfer to a cooling rack for a few minutes to let the steam escape, which keeps the coating extra crisp!

How to Serve Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these tenders with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little lemon zest when serving—it adds brightness and a fresh contrast to all that crispiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, dust a bit of extra parmesan on top for presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple and classic: creamy mashed potatoes, a crunchy coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully. These tenders are versatile—you really can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I sometimes thread a few tenders onto wooden skewers and serve them with a trio of dipping sauces—think sweet chili mayo, ranch, and honey mustard. It’s always a hit. You could also arrange them on a large platter with colorful veggies for a sharing board vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crispy, I place them on a paper towel-lined plate and avoid stacking them too much. This little trick helps prevent sogginess overnight.

Freezing

These chicken tenders freeze surprisingly well! I flash freeze them spread out on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them later, reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven to keep that crispy outer layer intact.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken tenders without losing crispiness, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as that tends to make the coating soggy—oven reheating really revives that crunch like fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines ease, flavor, and that unbeatable crunch so many recipes struggle to deliver without frying. I love how it’s approachable yet delivers results that impress at weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give this one a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken recipe that your whole family adores. Happy cooking!

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