Crispy Oven Chicken Tenders

Skip the drive-thru and make these Crispy Oven Chicken Tenders right at home! They're perfectly seasoned, coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, and baked until golden brown without the mess of deep frying.

These homemade chicken tenders are one of my favorite family dinners because they're simple to make, kid-approved, and pair well with just about any side dish. We love serving them with Parmesan roasted potatoes, roasted broccoli, fresh fruit, or even macaroni and cheese.

The best part? They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Crispy without frying
• Family-friendly
• Ready in about 35 minutes
• Budget-friendly
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk

Breading

• 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Baking

• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place an oven-safe wire rack on top of a baking sheet for extra crispiness.
2. Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
3. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.
6. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
7. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray.
8. Bake for 12 minutes.
9. Carefully flip the tenders, brush or spray the other side, and bake another 8–12 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Let the tenders rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to help keep them crispy.

Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Budget-Friendly Tips

• Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
• Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier coating.
• Double the recipe and freeze extras for quick lunches or dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. A light coating of butter or cooking spray also helps the breading crisp up beautifully.

What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce all pair well with these tenders.

What should I serve with homemade chicken tenders?

We love serving these with Parmesan roasted potatoes, roasted broccoli, mac and cheese, fresh fruit, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.

These Crispy Oven Chicken Tenders are a family favorite that's easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough that everyone will ask for them again. Once you make homemade chicken tenders, it's hard to go back to frozen!