Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken tenders. These tenders are crispy, flavorful, and typically made using chicken tenders, basic seasonings, eggs, and a breading mixture. These homemade Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are one of the best-fried chicken recipes that pair well with roasted or baked vegetables, salads, or your favorite sauces. This recipe is easy to make and can be served for both lunch and dinner, as well as an appetizer or snack.
In this post, I have provided a detailed recipe for making oven-fried chicken tenders with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Additionally, I have included a video tutorial to visually guide you through the cooking process.
Jump to:
What are Oven Fried Chicken Tenders?
Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are a crispy, crunchy, and healthier version of the classic fried chicken tender. They are made with basic pantry items such as chicken tenderloins, seasonings, Panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, and cooking oil spray. These crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders can be served with a side of roasted or baked vegetables, a salad, or your favorite homemade sauces. Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a party snack.
Making Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders is an easy process that doesn't compromise on flavor and texture. The chicken tenderloins are first coated in the egg flour mixture and then dredged in the breadcrumb mixture. The chicken is then sprayed with cooking oil and baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when preparing for a crowd as it doesn't require much time or effort to prepare. Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are also one of the healthiest fried chicken recipes that you can make for your loved ones.
Oven-fried chicken tenders are a guilt-free yet delicious meal that can be made in no time. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier version of fried chicken that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture. It's a perfect chicken dinner that goes well with a variety of vegetable side dishes like coleslaw, and potatoes. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner option for your kids or someone trying to eat healthier, Oven-Fried Chicken tenders are a perfect go-to recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this delicious oven-fried chicken tender recipe, you'll need some basic pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let's take a look at the ingredients below:
- Chicken tenderloins: You can use chicken tenderloins or boneless chicken breasts sliced into small strips resembling tenders
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, and salt add a delicious flavor to the tenders. For an additional flavor boost, I recommend adding sriracha sauce and honey mustard
- Panko breadcrumbs: I used Japanese panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture for the chicken tenders
- All-purpose flour: This helps to create a crisp outer layer for the chicken
- Eggs: This help to bind the breading mixture to the chicken and add moisture
- Cooking oil spray: To help the chicken get crispy while baking
- Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or olive oil): To toast the breadcrumbs
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Oven Fried Chicken Tenders at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders, a healthier version of the classic fried chicken tender. They are made by coating chicken tenderloins in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then baking them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. This tasty and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a party snack.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
Prep the Breadcrumb
- Toast the breadcrumbs - In a pan over medium-low heat, add 2 tsp of oil and panko breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs until they turn golden in color, then reserve them for later use. This step is important as it helps to give the chicken tenders a crispy texture
Breading Chicken Tender
- Prep Batter - In a wide mixing bowl, add onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper powder, dried parsley, and salt. Mix everything well. Then add beaten eggs, Sriracha sauce, honey mustard, and all-purpose flour to the mixing bowl, and mix well to form a seasoned batter
- Add the Tenders - Add the chicken tenderloins to the seasoned batter and mix until everything is coated well. Cover the bowl with a lid and let the tenderloins rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse
- Make Breading Mix - In a shallow tray, mix the toasted breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper powder, and salt
- Dredge - Dredge the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the breading mixture, coating them well with the mixture. This step ensures that the chicken tenders are fully coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
Prep Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
- Place the Tenders - Place the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking tray without overcrowding the tray. You can also spray the chicken tenders with oil, which will help achieve a crispy exterior when baked.
- Bake - Place the baking tray in a preheated oven at 390° F for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken turns crispy golden in color. This step ensures that the chicken tenders are fully cooked and crispy
- Remove and Serve - Once baked, remove the Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders from the oven. Serve this crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tender as an appetizer or snack with your choice of side sauces
Tips
- For Golden Tenders - To achieve golden crispy chicken tenders, it is important to toast the breadcrumbs until they are golden brown. Then coat the chicken tenders with them before baking
- Rest the Chicken - To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, I recommend resting the chicken in the seasoned batter for at least 15 to 20 minutes before baking
- Baking Temperature - When baking chicken tenders, it is important to consider the baking temperature and time. Generally, chicken tenders require less time to cook compared to bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. For best results, bake the chicken tenders at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on the chicken while it is baking to avoid overcooking. Usually overcooking can result in dry and tough meat
Storage Suggestions
This oven-fried chicken is best enjoyed when served warm immediately after it is prepared. However, you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat and regain its crispy texture, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is crispy once again.
For added convenience, you can also prepare the breaded chicken in advance and freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to one month. This allows you to have the option of making oven-fried chicken tenders whenever you desire without having to go through the entire preparation process each time.
Serving Suggestions
There are many options for side dishes to serve with Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted or baked vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or baked potatoes make a great side dish to balance out the richness of the Chicken Tenders
- Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and your favorite dressing is a healthy and refreshing side dish
- Coleslaw: Classic creamy coleslaw pairs well with crispy Chicken Tenders
- Mac and cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with Chicken Tenders
- Sauces: Sauces like buffalo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, honey mustard sauce, tartar sauce, teriyaki sauce, and hot sauce goes well with Chicken Tenders
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at fried chicken recipes and roasted and baked meat recipes, and chicken recipes.
- Fried Chicken
- Oven Fried Chicken
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Fish Fry (Fried Fish)
- Oven Roasted Chicken
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
- Baked Chicken Wings
Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe below that I hope will help you make a delicious dish at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1¾ lb Chicken Tenders, 8 pieces or use chicken breast that is sliced into strips
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley Leaves
- Salt, to taste
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce, or hot sauce of your choice
- 1 tbsp Honey Mustard
- 2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Oil
For Breading
- 1½ cup Japanese Panko Breadcrumb
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ¾ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¾ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- Oil Spray
Instructions
Prep Breadcrumb
- In a pan over medium-low heat, add 2 tsp of oil and panko breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs until they turn golden in color, then reserve them for later use
To Bread the Chicken Tenders
- In a wide mixing bowl, add onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper powder, dried parsley, and salt. Mix everything well
- Add beaten eggs, Sriracha sauce, honey mustard, and all-purpose flour to the mixing bowl, and mix well to form a seasoned batter
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the seasoned batter and mix until everything is coated well. Cover the bowl with a lid and let the tenderloins rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse
- In a shallow tray, mix the toasted breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper powder, and salt
- Dredge the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the breading mixture, coating them well with the mixture
To make Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking tray without overcrowding the tray. You can also spray the chicken tenders with oil, which will help achieve a crispy exterior when baked
- Place the baking tray in a preheated oven at 390° F for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken turns crispy golden in color. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is fully cooked. However, it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat
- Once baked, remove the oven-fried chicken tenders from the oven and they are now ready for you to taste and enjoy
To Serve
- Serve this crispy Oven Fried Chicken Tender as an appetizer or snack with your choice of side sauces, such as tartar sauce, chili sauce, honey mustard sauce, or ketchup. You can also serve it as a main course with roasted or baked vegetables, or a healthy simple salad of your choice
Video
Notes
- For Golden Tenders - To achieve golden crispy chicken tenders, it is important to toast the breadcrumbs until they are golden brown and then coat the chicken tenders with them before baking
- Rest the Chicken - To further enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, it is recommended to rest the chicken in the seasoned batter for at least 15 to 20 minutes before baking
- Baking Temperature - When baking chicken tenders, it is important to consider the baking temperature and time. Generally, chicken tenders require less time to cook compared to bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. For best results, bake the chicken tenders at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on the chicken while it is baking to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry and tough meat
Nutrition
FAQ
Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier version of classic fried chicken tenders. They are typically made using chicken tenders, basic seasonings, eggs, and a breading mixture. Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are one of the healthiest dishes that are perfect for lunch or dinner, as well as an appetizer or snack.
The baking time for chicken tenders in the oven can vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken. As a general guideline, preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is fully cooked. However, it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders go well with roasted or steamed vegetables, as well as a simple green salad. They can also be served with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, buffalo, or barbecue sauce.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
Leave a Review