Dinner

Baked Chicken Tenders

Name: Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breasts; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Tender strips of chicken breast coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crunchy. They're a family favorite that's way healthier than fried but still delivers that satisfying crunch and juicy meat inside.

373calper serving 42gprotein 16gcarbs 15gfat 15min prep 18min cook 4serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Baked Chicken Tenders — common questions

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes—arrange the uncooked, breaded tenders on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 3 to 4 minutes to the cook time.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warm through, or in a 400°F air fryer for 5 to 6 minutes to restore crispness; avoid the microwave as it makes them soggy.

Can I air fry these instead?

Yes—arrange the tenders in a single layer in an air fryer basket at 380°F for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What's the most common mistake?

Not patting the chicken dry or crowding the pan; wet chicken won't coat well and tenders touching each other steam instead of bake, so ensure they're dry and spaced apart.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, though they take 20 to 22 minutes to reach 165°F; pound them thin first for more even cooking.

What should I serve with these?

Sweet potato fries, roasted broccoli, coleslaw, or a simple salad are all classic pairings; ketchup, ranch dip, or honey mustard are the traditional dipping sauces.