Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Baked chicken tenders with a crunchy crust, golden outside and juicy inside. A lighter family favorite.

# What you need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Breading

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

→ Dredging

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons whole milk

→ For the Pan

10 - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk eggs with whole milk until fully blended.
04 - Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels to ensure crisp coating.
05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat completely, ensuring full coverage.
06 - Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil for optimal crispiness.
07 - Transfer to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning pieces halfway through, until golden and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
08 - Allow chicken tenders to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Great for busy weeknights with quick prep and cook time
  • Naturally nut free with kid friendly flavors
  • Baked instead of fried for a lighter meal
  • Simple ingredients but incredibly satisfying
  • Everything comes together with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • High in protein and lower in fat
  • Easy for meal prepping or make ahead
  • Family friendly and customizable
03 -
  • Mixing both panko and cornflakes delivers unbeatable texture every time
  • Letting breaded chicken rest for ten minutes before baking helps the coating set for maximum crunch
  • If you want a super thick crust do a double dip repeating egg and breading before baking
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