Go Back
–+ servings
Crunchy Chicken Tenders

Oven-Baked Crunchy Chicken Tenders for a Guilt-Free Treat

Discover the perfect golden crunch with these Crunchy Chicken Tenders, a healthier twist on comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Brining Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
For the Flavor
  • 1.5-3 teaspoons Salt Amount can vary; recommended between.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For the Crunchy Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Toasting enhances crispness.
  • 1/2 cup Plain Flour (All-Purpose) Gluten-free flour may be used as a substitute.
For Binding
  • 2 large Eggs Can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Water Adjust for desired batter thickness.
For Browning
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Brine the Chicken: Mix salt with the chicken tenderloins and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. Rinse and pat dry after.
  2. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss panko breadcrumbs with oil, spread, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Batter: Whisk together eggs, water, plain flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in batter and then coat in toasted panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake the Tenders: Line a baking sheet with parchment and bake chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with dipping sauces like sweet chili or ranch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These Crunchy Chicken Tenders are sure to become a family favorite! Experiment with different dipping sauces.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!