Chicken tender is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by kids and adults alike. These strips of chicken breast, known for their tenderness and crisp golden coating, are easy to make and even easier to love. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, chicken tenders deliver satisfying flavor and crunch in every bite.
What makes chicken tender so popular is their simplicity. Typically made from the tenderloin portion of the chicken breast, these pieces are naturally more tender than other cuts. When coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, flour, or panko, and then cooked until golden brown, they offer a perfect combination of juicy meat and crispy exterior.
Chicken tender is also incredibly versatile. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces—such as honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or buffalo—for endless flavor options. They make a great main dish, snack, or even a protein-packed topping for salads and wraps. Plus, they’re easy to customize: add spices to the breading for a bold kick, or go gluten-free with an almond flour coating.
For a healthier twist, baking or air frying chicken tenders is a great alternative to deep frying. With just a light spray of oil, you can still achieve a crispy finish without the extra grease.
Homemade chicken tenders are also a great meal-prep option. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze extras for quick meals throughout the week. They reheat well in the oven or air fryer, maintaining that satisfying crunch.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual game day, or just craving something comforting, chicken tenders are a timeless favorite. Crispy, flavorful, and endlessly dippable, they prove that simple ingredients often make the most delicious meals.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Is parma cheese really necessary? I don’t have any. Can I just use cheddar?
No way! Parm is the best part! Cheddar’s not gonna taste the same. You should just get some parmesan!
Yeah, cheddar should be fine! It’ll give a different flavor but still be tasty. I never bother with fancy cheese anyway.
These chicken tenders turned out amazing! Super crispy and flavorful. Will definitely make again.
They turned out amazing? Seriously? I tried a similar recipe and they came out soggy. What did you do differently?
I’m so glad to hear that! These chicken tenders are one of my go-to recipes. Crispy is key!
Tried this last night and it was a hit! Even my picky eater enjoyed it! 👍
These are the best chicken tenders I’ve ever made! So crispy and delicious. My kids loved ’em!
Directions were super easy to follow. I think I overcooked mine a bit tho, they were tough.
Overcooked chicken can happen! Next time, try checking them a few minutes early. They should be juicy!
Too many steps for just chicken. Why not just fry it? Also, where’s the flavor?
Frying is easy, but this way you don’t end up with greasy chicken! Plus, it’s crispy and tastes sooo good if you do it right!
I get what you’re saying, but I think the oven baking makes it healthier! You could add some spices to the mix for extra flavor!
2nd batch needs more spices, but overall a nice recipe! Gonna tweak it a bit!
I thought the spices were just right! Maybe you just need to experiment more. Glad you liked it overall!
More spices? Nah, I think it’s already too salty! I ain’t got the taste for all that. Keep it simple!
First time cooking chicken tenders and they turned out SO good! I am a chef now 👩🍳.
Took forever to prepare. I’m too lazy for this. 😩
I followed the recipe but mine turned out soggy. What did I do wrong? Any tips?
I followed the recipe but my tenders came out soggy. I think I need a better bake time.
Maybe try baking them a bit longer? Mine were perfect at 20 mins.
Chicken tenders are da bomb! I added some hot sauce to the egg wash and it was lit! 🔥
This was easy! My kids loved them. I used ranch dressing as a dip and it was a hit!
Ranch dressing? That’s a great idea! I usually go for BBQ sauce, but I’ll have to try that next time. Glad your kids enjoyed it!
These were incredible! My kids devoured them in minutes. Will definitely make again!
Easy and quick! Used Italian bread crumbs instead of regular and it made a big difference. So flavorful!
But isn’t that a bit weird? Italian breadcrumbs with chicken? I dunno if that sounds good…
I’m glad it worked out for you! I’ve always used regular breadcrumbs. Maybe I’ll try Italian next time!
Chicken + breadcrumbs = good! Nuff said.
I followed the recipe but mine turned out kinda soggy. Maybe I didn’t bake them long enough? Not sure what went wrong.
I don’t see how this could work… I’ve never had luck with oven-baked anything.
Oven-baked stuff can be tricky, but if you watch the time, it might work! Good luck!
I used to think the same but these tenders surprised me! Just follow the steps and you’ll see!
I tried these but forgot the garlic powder… They came out kinda bland 😕.
Yummm, good recipe. I just mixed in some ranch seasoning to the coating, nice twist! 😋
Chicken tenders? Aren’t those just for kids? I prefer a nice steak, lol.
You guys! I forgot the eggs and still it worked. Life hack or what?
Why use parmesan? Just use regular cheese, it’s cheaper. 😂
My husband loved these! I didn’t have parmesan so used cheddar instead.
Cheddar sounds like a yummy swap! Glad your husband liked it!
Delicious! But I think there’s way too much cheese… Next time I’ll cut back on it.
Yummy! I added a little more paprika and they were super flavorful. Thanks for sharing!
I accidently put too much paprika and now they taste like a campfire! LOL.
I didn’t have parmesan, so I used cheddar. Made it taste weird…
I burnt mine at 425°F. Should I have used a lower temp? Not sure if I did it right.
I dunno, I always cook at 450°F and it turns out fine. Maybe you just need to watch ’em better.
Yeah, 425°F is pretty high. Maybe try 375°F next time? That should help with burning!
I followed the recipe but they turned out kinda soggy. Maybe my breadcrumb was too old?
These chicken tenders are absolutely delicious! I made them for my kids and they couldn’t get enough. Will definitely make again! 😊
I’m so glad your kids loved them! These are a hit in my house too! 😊
They look good, but isn’t frying them a bit better? I don’t believe baking makes them crispy enough.
GREAT RECIPE!! My husband loved them and he’s picky! I paired it with ranch dressing. Nom Nom!
I think this recipe is a scam. Chicken tender make themselves!!!
Chicken tenders?? More like chicken limpies! I don’t know how you people find this crunchy! 😟
Simple…. Yummy!! 🙂
Totally agree! I made these for my kids and they devoured them! 🍗
These chicken tenders were a hit at my family dinner! Super easy and delicious. Will make again!
Nah, I prefer deep frying mine. Baked just ain’t the same! But hey, glad it worked for you.
So glad to hear that! I love when a recipe comes together like that. Did you serve any sauces with it?
Yum! My kids loved them! I added a bit of cayenne for some spice, and they were perfect.
Perfect for my game night! We dipped them in ranch and BBQ sauce, heavenly!
I think this recipe’s too simple. Where’s the spice? I usually add chili flakes or something to give it a real kick! Don’t get me wrong, though, they look good!
Game night sounds fun! Ranch and BBQ are like a match made in heaven! Gotta try that next time with these tenders.