Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders Crunchy and Flavorful Dish

May 12, 2025 by Stella

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? These oven-baked chicken tenders are just what you need! Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they are sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this crunchy and flavorful dish in no time. Let’s dive into what makes these tenders so special!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenderloins

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

Seasoning

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Essentials

– Olive oil spray

– Parchment paper for baking

For this recipe, I use chicken tenderloins. They cook fast and stay juicy. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and makes the chicken tender. It’s a great base for seasoning.

I mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt into the buttermilk. This blend gives the chicken a bold flavor. I also add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour. This step gives the crust a savory kick.

I find Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crunchy finish. They make the chicken crispy. Using olive oil spray helps the coating brown nicely.

Parchment paper is a must. It keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. You can find all these ingredients in your local store or pantry.

For the full recipe, check the details above.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

– Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk seasoning mix.

I like to mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This blend gives the chicken great flavor. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate overnight.

Coating the Chicken

– Combine flour and Parmesan cheese in one bowl.

– Set up breadcrumbs in another bowl.

– Dredge chicken tenders in flour, then soak in breadcrumbs.

I find dredging helps the coating stick better. First, coat each tender in the flour mix, then dip into the breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick.

Baking the Chicken

– Arrange coated tenders on a baking sheet.

– Spray tenders with olive oil.

– Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

Place the tenders on parchment paper for easy cleanup. The olive oil spray helps them brown nicely. When they are golden and crispy, they are ready to eat! For extra crunch, you can broil them for a few minutes. Make sure to watch closely. Enjoy these tasty oven-baked chicken tenders hot with your favorite dip! Check out the Full Recipe for more details.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving a Crispy Coating

To get that perfect crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and airy texture. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan for added flavor. Another key tip is to spray olive oil evenly on the tenders before baking. This helps them brown nicely and boosts crunchiness.

Marinating Time

For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. This soaking allows the spices to seep deep into the meat. If you want a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice. This works well instead of buttermilk and keeps the chicken tender.

Broiling for Extra Crispiness

Broiling at the end enhances the texture. Set your oven to broil after baking. Place the chicken tenders on the top rack for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. This quick step gives a golden finish that makes your dish look professional and appetizing.

For the full recipe, check out the details above!

Variations

Flavor Enhancements

You can spice things up with a few easy tweaks. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to your buttermilk mix. This gives the chicken tenders a nice kick. For a fresh and earthy taste, try adding dried thyme or oregano to the breadcrumbs. These herbs add a lovely flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both options work well and keep the tenders crunchy. For those on a low-carb diet, use crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish tasty while fitting your diet.

Serve with Different Dips

Dipping sauces can change the whole meal. I recommend honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Each sauce brings its own flavor and makes the chicken tenders even more enjoyable. You can even serve a few different sauces to let everyone pick their favorite. For the full recipe, check the complete details in the main article.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your baked chicken tenders in the fridge, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They can last for up to four days in the fridge. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps save space and keeps them from getting freezer burn.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. You want to keep that crispy texture. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. For extra crunch, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

Shelf Life

Understanding how long your chicken tenders stay fresh helps you avoid waste. In the fridge, they last for about four days. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Proper storage makes sure you enjoy every crispy bite of your chicken tenders. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections of this article.

FAQs

How long do I need to marinate chicken tenders?

I recommend marinating chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in well. For best results, marinate them overnight. The longer they sit, the tastier they become!

Can I make oven-baked chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead! Prepare the chicken, coat it, and place it on the baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake them when you are ready to eat. This way, you save time and keep the taste fresh.

What temperature should chicken tenders be cooked to?

Chicken tenders should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures they are safe and juicy.

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just be sure to thaw them first in the fridge. If they are still a bit frozen, adjust your cooking time. They may need a few more minutes to cook through. Enjoy the crunch with my full recipe!

You’ve learned how to make delicious oven-baked chicken tenders. We covered the main ingredients, seasoning, and smart cooking tips. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and Panko makes it crispy. Adjust recipes for spice or dietary needs, and store leftovers wisely. These tips ensure tasty results every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these easy chicken tenders!

$- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese - Olive oil spray - Parchment paper for baking For this recipe, I use chicken tenderloins. They cook fast and stay juicy. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and makes the chicken tender. It’s a great base for seasoning. I mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt into the buttermilk. This blend gives the chicken a bold flavor. I also add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour. This step gives the crust a savory kick. I find Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crunchy finish. They make the chicken crispy. Using olive oil spray helps the coating brown nicely. Parchment paper is a must. It keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. You can find all these ingredients in your local store or pantry. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk seasoning mix. I like to mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This blend gives the chicken great flavor. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate overnight. - Combine flour and Parmesan cheese in one bowl. - Set up breadcrumbs in another bowl. - Dredge chicken tenders in flour, then soak in breadcrumbs. I find dredging helps the coating stick better. First, coat each tender in the flour mix, then dip into the breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick. - Arrange coated tenders on a baking sheet. - Spray tenders with olive oil. - Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy. Place the tenders on parchment paper for easy cleanup. The olive oil spray helps them brown nicely. When they are golden and crispy, they are ready to eat! For extra crunch, you can broil them for a few minutes. Make sure to watch closely. Enjoy these tasty oven-baked chicken tenders hot with your favorite dip! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To get that perfect crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and airy texture. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan for added flavor. Another key tip is to spray olive oil evenly on the tenders before baking. This helps them brown nicely and boosts crunchiness. For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. This soaking allows the spices to seep deep into the meat. If you want a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice. This works well instead of buttermilk and keeps the chicken tender. Broiling at the end enhances the texture. Set your oven to broil after baking. Place the chicken tenders on the top rack for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. This quick step gives a golden finish that makes your dish look professional and appetizing. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can spice things up with a few easy tweaks. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to your buttermilk mix. This gives the chicken tenders a nice kick. For a fresh and earthy taste, try adding dried thyme or oregano to the breadcrumbs. These herbs add a lovely flavor that pairs well with the chicken. If you need gluten-free options, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both options work well and keep the tenders crunchy. For those on a low-carb diet, use crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Dipping sauces can change the whole meal. I recommend honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Each sauce brings its own flavor and makes the chicken tenders even more enjoyable. You can even serve a few different sauces to let everyone pick their favorite. For the full recipe, check the complete details in the main article. To store your baked chicken tenders in the fridge, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They can last for up to four days in the fridge. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps save space and keeps them from getting freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. You want to keep that crispy texture. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. For extra crunch, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Understanding how long your chicken tenders stay fresh helps you avoid waste. In the fridge, they last for about four days. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Proper storage makes sure you enjoy every crispy bite of your chicken tenders. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections of this article. I recommend marinating chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in well. For best results, marinate them overnight. The longer they sit, the tastier they become! Yes, you can make them ahead! Prepare the chicken, coat it, and place it on the baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake them when you are ready to eat. This way, you save time and keep the taste fresh. Chicken tenders should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures they are safe and juicy. Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just be sure to thaw them first in the fridge. If they are still a bit frozen, adjust your cooking time. They may need a few more minutes to cook through. Enjoy the crunch with my full recipe! You’ve learned how to make delicious oven-baked chicken tenders. We covered the main ingredients, seasoning, and smart cooking tips. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and Panko makes it crispy. Adjust recipes for spice or dietary needs, and store leftovers wisely. These tips ensure tasty results every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these easy chicken tenders!$