Go Back
To make crispy baked chicken tenders, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for extra crispiness) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Cooking spray These ingredients work together to create a tender inside and a crunchy outside. You can add your own twist with these optional ingredients: - A pinch of cayenne for heat - Lemon zest for a fresh kick - Dried herbs like oregano or thyme - A splash of hot sauce in the marinade Feel free to get creative! Each option brings its own charm to the dish. Serve these chicken tenders with tasty dips to enhance the experience: - Honey mustard for a sweet touch - Barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor - Ranch dressing for a creamy option - Ketchup for the classic choice Pairing these sauces with your chicken tenders elevates the meal. You can also add sides like fresh veggies or a light salad for a complete dinner. Enjoy! To start, grab a bowl. Mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure it is well combined. Add the chicken tenderloins. Ensure they are covered by the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in your fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour. For even better flavor, marinate overnight. Now, it's time to preheat your oven. Set it to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. This step helps the chicken tenders crisp nicely. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well blended. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Let the extra marinade drip off each tenderloin. Dredge each one in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs on to make them stick well. Arrange the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This helps them become golden and crispy. Bake the chicken tenders for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness. They are done when they are golden brown and the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders! To make your chicken tenders super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and airy crust. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking. This adds extra crunch and helps them brown beautifully. Remember to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures even crispiness on both sides. Marinating your chicken is key to tasty tenders. Use buttermilk for its tenderness and flavor. Mix it with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let the chicken sit in this mix for at least one hour. If you can, marinate overnight for even better flavor. Make sure every piece is fully submerged for best results. Serve your crispy chicken tenders hot on a nice platter. Pair them with fun dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. You can also add fresh parsley on top for color. For a complete meal, serve them with a side salad or sweet potato fries. This makes a delightful dinner everyone will love. {{image_2}} To make crispy baked chicken tenders gluten-free, swap out the breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes instead. Both options keep the crunch you want. Check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. You can easily change the flavors of your chicken tenders. Try adding different spices to the breadcrumb mix. For a spicy kick, use cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a sweeter taste, try adding a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon. You can also use taco seasoning for a fun twist. If you want to skip the oven, an air fryer works great. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method gives you crispy tenders with less oil and less time. Enjoy the crunch! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This helps keep the tenders crispy. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This absorbs any moisture. Refrigerate them for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This keeps the tenders from getting freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your chicken tenders and keep them crispy, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore that delicious crunch! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Just cut the breast into strips. Make sure they are about the same size as tenderloins for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. This keeps your chicken safe and juicy. Crispy baked chicken tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to reheat them well for the best taste. Chicken tenders pair well with many sides. You can serve them with: - French fries - Coleslaw - Mashed potatoes - Steamed vegetables - Salad - Dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue These sides balance the flavors and make your meal fun and tasty. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders with whatever you like! You learned how to make crispy baked chicken tenders from scratch. We covered key ingredients, marinating, and baking for perfect crispiness. I shared useful tips for flavor and storage. You can even explore gluten-free options and air-fryer methods. In the end, you can enjoy tasty chicken tenders that fit your needs. Happy cooking!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the ultimate crispy baked chicken tenders that are sure to impress! This simple recipe features juicy chicken tenderloins marinated for incredible flavor, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, and baked to perfection. Perfect for dinner or a game day snack, these tenders are deliciously paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Click through now to explore the full recipe and discover how easy it is to make these crowd-pleasing bites!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

      Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. One by one, take each tenderloin and let the excess marinade drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

          Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking.

            Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

              Serve Hot: Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with a side of your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!