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; Salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something irresistibly crispy and flavorful about this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy nights or casual gatherings. You get all the crunch of fried chicken but with a fraction of the oil—and that’s a win in my book every time.

This image shows a white plate with three breaded crispy chicken strips at the bottom right, golden brown with visible seasoning and a crunchy texture; to the top left of the plate, there is a pile of fresh green beans, shiny and smooth, bright green in color; on the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with thick, smooth red sauce. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. 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

This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it delivers all the crispy goodness without the mess or guilt of deep-frying. It’s easy to prep, versatile enough for weeknight dinners, and a huge hit with my family.

Healthy yet crispy: Oven-frying means you get golden, crunchy tenders without soaking them in oil.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now.
Customizable flavors: From smoky paprika to herbs, you can tailor the coating to your liking.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead and enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe shine. I’ll walk you through the essentials so you can see why they’re my picks—and hopefully find some tips that’ll make your cooking go smoothly.

Flat lay of fresh boneless chicken breast strips arranged neatly, a small white bowl of whole milk, a white bowl containing golden panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl with bright red smoked paprika powder, a tiny white bowl filled with dried green parsley flakes, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with golden avocado oil, white ceramic bowls and plates all simple and plain, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced symmetric composition 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: Lean, easy to slice into strips, and perfect for soaking up that flavorful marinade.
Milk: Acts as a tenderizing soak and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple pantry staples that add a savory depth without overpowering.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that you can adjust to suit your taste.
Avocado or Olive Oil: Just enough oil coats the pan so the tenders crisp up without frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that unbeatable crunch you want in oven-fried chicken.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that gives the tenders a bit of a kick and beautiful color.
Dried Parsley or Oregano: Offers freshness and a touch of herbaceous brightness.

📝

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 tweaking this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe based on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—that’s the fun part of cooking!

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumbs to give it a spicy kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped the panko with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour with great results.
Herb Swap: If you prefer a different herb, thyme or rosemary work beautifully too.
Air Fryer Alternative: When I’m short on time, cooking these in the air fryer crisps them up nicely in under 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows crispy golden-brown breaded pieces arranged around a white bowl filled with bright red smooth sauce. One piece is held by a woman's hand, partially dipped in the sauce, revealing a tender white interior inside the crunchy coating. Bright green cooked green beans are placed beside the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, more breaded pieces are slightly out of focus on a tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by whisking together the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken breast strips and let them soak for at least an hour—overnight is even better if you have the time. This step really tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with the flavors so every bite is juicy and tasty. I usually pop mine in the fridge covered with plastic wrap and set a timer to remind me to move onto the next step.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Breadcrumb Mix

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the oil on the sheet and spread it evenly with your fingers or a brush—this little trick helps crisp the tenders and keeps them from sticking. In a large resealable bag, combine the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, dried parsley or oregano, salt, and pepper. This spicy, herby breadcrumb blend is the star of our crunch factor.

Step 3: Coat and Bake to Crispy Perfection

Drain the chicken strips from the marinade and add them to the breadcrumb bag a few at a time. Shake well to coat them evenly. If you want extra thick breading, you can dip each strip back into the marinade and then again in the crumbs—that’s my secret for restaurant-style crunch. Arrange the coated tenders on your baking sheet with space between them. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is seriously addictive!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe from good to absolutely crave-worthy. These tips make a huge difference, especially if you haven’t made oven-fried chicken before.

Marinating Time Matters: Don’t skip the soak! It keeps your chicken tender and ensures those spices really penetrate the meat.
Use Parchment Paper and Oil: This combo guarantees that crisp exterior without sticking or extra greasy mess.
Flip Halfway: Turning the tenders over halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and browns both sides gorgeously.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s space between each tender on the pan for proper air circulation and that unbeatable crunch.

How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

oven-fried chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top—they add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens every bite. A squeeze of lemon over the tenders before serving also gives a lovely zing that cuts through the richness. For dipping, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of hot sauce is my go-to healthy choice, but honey mustard or classic BBQ sauce works just as well.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides for these chicken tenders are crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes I go for steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for a simple, wholesome meal that balances perfectly with the crispy tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve assembled these tenders on a beautiful platter with small bowls of different dips—ranch, honey mustard, and sriracha mayo—for guests to choose from. They’re also fantastic served in mini slider buns with lettuce and tomato for an easy finger food. Trust me, they vanish fast whichever way you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, I add a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture. It’s a small trick that really helps maintain the texture.

Freezing

If I want to keep some for longer, I freeze the cooked tenders separated on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them straight from frozen into the oven for crispy reheating without thawing. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Reheating

To reheat, I set the oven to 375°F and bake the tenders for 8-10 minutes. This revives their crunch much better than microwaving does. If I’m in a hurry, the air fryer works great too for about 5 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe?

While chicken thighs are juicier, they have a different texture and fat content that doesn't crisp quite the same when oven-fried. I recommend sticking to chicken breasts for the best crispy and uniform tenders.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

Marinating for at least one hour is ideal, but if you have time, letting the chicken soak overnight in the milk and seasonings really enhances tenderness and flavor. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.

Can I make these chicken tenders dairy-free?

Yes! To make this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe dairy-free, swap the milk with unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk. The key is to have a liquid base to help the seasoning stick and tenderize the chicken.

What’s the best way to get extra crunchy tenders?

For extra crunch, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping each strip back into the marinade and then breadcrumbs again before baking. Also, avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around each piece.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. I’ve loved sharing my tips and tweaks, and I hope you find as much joy in it as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for dinner, lunchboxes, or any occasion where you want cozy, crispy chicken without the fuss. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!