Name: Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into about 3 strips each; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; ½ tablespoon dried parsley or oregano; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something incredibly satisfying about crispy, golden chicken you can bake right in your oven. This Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe strikes the perfect balance: juicy inside, crunchy outside, and so easy to throw together that it’s become a weeknight favorite in my house.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three golden brown crispy chicken strips with a rough, crunchy texture. To the top left of the chicken strips, there is a pile of bright green fresh green beans, smooth and shiny. On the right side of the plate, a small white bowl is filled with thick, smooth red ketchup, slightly swirled on top. The plate is well arranged with the green beans covering the top left corner, the chicken strips at the bottom, and the bowl of ketchup on the right, creating a colorful and balanced look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that’s both a crowd-pleaser and totally foolproof. I keep coming back to it because it feels a little indulgent without the extra oil from frying, and it always delivers that crave-worthy crunch.

Simple Prep: You just need a few pantry staples and an hour to marinate, which does all the heavy lifting.
Healthy & Homemade: Baking instead of frying means less grease without losing crispiness.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices to match your mood—from smoky paprika to a spicy kick.
Kid-Approved: My picky eaters love dipping these tenders, making it perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully combined to give you juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crispy crust. I always recommend grabbing fresh panko and good quality paprika—it truly makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh raw boneless chicken breast strips arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of light, fluffy panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl with vibrant smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl containing dried green parsley flakes, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with a fine light-colored garlic powder, a small white bowl with pale onion powder, and a small white bowl of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper placed symmetrically around the chicken strips, all ingredients fresh and natural, no packaging, simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Chicken Breasts: Easy to slice into strips and lean—perfect for baking without excess fat.
Milk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Classic savory spices that boost flavor without overpowering.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these to bring out the best flavor.
Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden crust while keeping things lighter than deep frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Give that unbeatable crunch baked tenders need.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth and vibrant color.
Dried Parsley or Oregano: For a hint of herbaceous freshness that rounds out the spices.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with the seasonings in this Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe depending on what’s in my spice rack or what mood I’m in. You can absolutely jazz it up, and I encourage you to make it yours!

Variation: For a spicy twist, I like adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix—my family loves the little heat it adds without overpowering.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for an allergy-friendly version that still gets that crunch.
Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary finely chopped for a burst of freshness.
Air Fryer: I’ve also made these in the air fryer with great results—just slightly less oil and a shorter cooking time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a golden-brown, crispy chicken tender dipping into a white bowl filled with smooth, bright red sauce. Around the bowl, there are more crispy chicken tenders with a crunchy texture, showing some black charred spots, placed on a white marbled surface. To the side, there is a small pile of fresh green beans with a glossy look. In the background, a baking tray with more golden pieces is slightly blurred. The whole image is bright and sharp, making the food look fresh and tasty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Juicy Tenders

Start by cutting boneless chicken breasts into strips, about three per piece. Whisk together milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then soak the chicken in this mixture for at least an hour. I usually let mine sit overnight if I have the time—it makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet with Oil

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread avocado or olive oil over the pan so the tenders crisp up without sticking. This little step saves cleanup and gives you crunchy edges all around.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Flavor

Mix panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, dried parsley or oregano, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag. Drain the chicken from the marinade and toss it in the bag until each strip is well coated. This keeps your hands clean and ensures even breading.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Lay the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one for crispiness. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even golden crust. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is crunchy and the chicken registers 165°F with a meat thermometer.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks make this Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe truly shine. Here are my best tips to get those crispy, juicy results every time.

Marinate Longer: Don’t rush the marinade step—overnight soak takes these tenders to the next level of juicy and flavorful.
Oil Strategically: Coating the baking sheet (instead of drizzling oil over the tenders) helps the breading get crispier and avoids sogginess.
Use Panko: Regular breadcrumbs don’t give the same crunch; panko breadcrumbs are your best friend here.
Flip Once Only: Flipping halfway prevents the coating from falling off and ensures an even golden crust.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

oven-baked chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a little shaved Parmesan on top just before serving—it adds a touch of color and an extra layer of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice always brightens them up too.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a crisp green salad. For a fun twist, serve with homemade honey mustard or ranch dip—my go-to combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these tenders on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces—like BBQ, buffalo, and blue cheese—for guests to customize their plates. They’re always a hit that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It keeps the tenders flavorful, but the crispiness softens a bit, so reheating properly is key.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these tenders successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months!

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, I reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave. This keeps the breading crispy and the chicken juicy without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?

While chicken thighs are juicier, I don't recommend them here because their higher fat content can make the coating less crispy and the cooking time can be trickier to get right with these breadcrumbs. Breasts give the best balance of tenderness and crispness for this recipe.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinating for at least one hour is ideal, but if you have time, overnight is even better. The milk-based marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses the seasonings more deeply, making a juicier final dish.

Can I make this Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal crumbs. The texture might vary slightly, but the overall crispy, delicious result remains.

Is it possible to cook these tenders in an air fryer?

Absolutely! I’ve cooked this recipe in my air fryer at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The tenders come out just as crispy and juicy with less oil needed than baking.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliable, tasty, and versatile. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or need a quick, wholesome meal, this recipe delivers every time. Grab your ingredients, get your oven ready, and enjoy a homemade treat that feels special but comes together effortlessly.