Name: Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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 truly satisfying about crispy, golden chicken tenders that don’t come from a fryer. This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe delivers all that crunch and flavor while keeping things a bit lighter. Plus, it’s super simple and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for chicken recipes that bring the crispy joy of fried chicken but without the mess and heaviness of frying. This oven-fried version checks all those boxes and then some — it’s crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Healthy crunch: By baking instead of frying, you get that crispy coating with much less oil and guilt.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, and the marinade makes the chicken extra tender.
Time-saving prep: While the chicken marinates, you can easily prep sides or just relax, making this perfect for busy days.
Versatile flavors: You can tweak the seasonings to your liking, from smoky to spicy, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a key role in texture and taste, so I recommend sticking to the basics but always experimenting with seasonings for your own flair.

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: Using breasts cut into strips ensures even cooking with tender, juicy meat inside.
Milk: Acts as a tenderizing marinade base — feel free to swap with buttermilk for extra tang.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Classic aromatics that add depth without overpowering.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors.
Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps create crispy, golden edges without deep-frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are a game-changer for that light, flaky crunch.
Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color — one of my favorites!
Dried Parsley or Oregano: Freshens and balances the savory coating.

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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 playing around with the spices here — sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap the parsley for thyme. You should absolutely feel free to make this recipe your own and adjust to whatever flavors your family craves.

Variation: One time, I tossed in some grated Parmesan to the panko mix for a cheesy twist, and it was a hit.
Dietary adjustment: For gluten-free, swap panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs — just watch the baking time a bit.
Air fryer alternative: If you own an air fryer, cooking the coated chicken tenders there for 10-12 minutes at 400°F works beautifully and gets them extra crispy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Fried 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 Maximum Tenderness

First thing I do is whisk together the milk with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then I toss in the chicken breast strips and let them soak for at least an hour, but overnight is even better. This soak makes a huge difference for juicy, flavorful tenders, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Coatings

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I drizzle the avocado or olive oil directly onto the baking sheet and spread it evenly — this helps the tenders brown up beautifully without sticking.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips

Drain the chicken from the marinade, then add the panko, smoked paprika, dried parsley or oregano, and a bit more salt and pepper into a large Ziploc bag. Drop the chicken in and shake until every strip gets an even coating. If you prefer, dip each piece individually into the breadcrumbs. Both ways work great!

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared pan with space between pieces—crowding can cause sogginess. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get crispy. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Serve Right Away and Enjoy!

Once they’re golden and crisp, serve your oven-fried chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side. You’ll love how they stay crunchy without the heavy oil taste.

Top Tip

I learned early on that the marinade time and dry coating technique are game changers for this recipe. I’ve tweaked these steps over time to get the perfect balance of crunch and juicy chicken inside.

Marinate Long Enough: At least one hour, ideally overnight, to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
Don’t Skip the Oil on the Pan: It prevents sticking and helps the breading crisp up without frying.
Flip Halfway Through: This ensures even browning on both sides and avoids burnt spots.
Leave Space Between Pieces: Crowding causes steam and sogginess, so give each tender room to bake properly.

How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

oven fried chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically top mine with a little fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking to enhance the crunch and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve alongside these tenders are homemade sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or steamed broccoli. They complement the crunchy chicken with contrasting textures and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to thread these chicken tenders onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for colorful, handheld snacks. Another time, I made a “tender platter” with assorted dipping sauces displayed in mini bowls — always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover oven-fried chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They stay tasty but tend to lose some crispiness, so reheating correctly makes all the difference.

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze the tenders after coating but before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, baking straight from frozen adds about 5 extra minutes to the cook time and still yields a great result.

Reheating

To revive that crispy coating, I reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes instead of microwaving. This keeps the tenders crunchy instead of soggy — definitely worth the little extra effort!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

While chicken thighs are juicier, they tend to cook differently and won’t get as evenly crispy in this oven-fried method. I recommend sticking to chicken breasts or tenders for best results.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least one hour helps tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor, but overnight marination is ideal if you have the time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just watch your baking time as coatings may brown a bit faster.

What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?

I love classic ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing, but you can get creative with spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy yogurt dip. Pick what makes your taste buds happiest!

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a weekly favorite in my house because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over, especially when you want that crispy, comforting chicken without turning on the fryer. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for it often!