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

Crunchy, flavorful, and baked just right—this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe transforms simple chicken strips into a crispy, juicy delight without the guilt of deep-frying. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and has everyone asking for seconds.

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

This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those go-to meals I keep coming back to, especially when I want something satisfying but not overly heavy. The crispy coating and tender inside create the perfect bite—a texture and flavor combo that’s just so comforting and fun to eat.

Healthier Crunch: You get that wonderful fried chicken texture without the mess and extra oil from frying.
Easy Prep: Marinating the chicken in seasoned milk makes the meat tender and juicy, plus it’s simple to assemble.
Flavorful Coating: The combo of smoked paprika and panko breadcrumbs gives it a smoky, crispy finish that keeps everyone happy.
Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with my kids and friends’ families alike—great for lunches, dinners, or even game day snacks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from balancing tenderness and crunch. I love using simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home or can grab quickly from the store. Each element plays a role, so you don’t want to skip the marinade or seasoning.

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: The lean meat is perfect for quick baking and stays juicy when soaked in the milk marinade.
Milk: Acts like a gentle tenderizer and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add a savory base flavor without overpowering the natural chicken taste.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and the coating for depth.
Avocado or Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps crisp up the coating in the oven without making it greasy.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are my secret weapon for that extra crunch and a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with baked chicken tenders.
Dried Parsley or Oregano: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like things spicy, herby, or dairy-free, you can alter it to your taste without losing that delicious crispy texture.

Variation: When I want a spicy kick, I toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix—it adds just enough heat without overwhelming the flavor.
Dairy-Free Substitute: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk if you're avoiding dairy; just be sure to season the marinade well for flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes with great results.
Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can cook these tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway—crispy and quicker cleanup!

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 the Chicken for Tender Juiciness

Start by whisking together the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken breast strips to the marinade and let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight if you have the time. This soak is my little secret to incredibly tender chicken that stays juicy inside once baked.

Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Drizzle oil over the sheet and spread it evenly. This helps crisp the tenders as they bake without needing to deep fry or add extra oil directly on the chicken.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Tenders

Mix the panko, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top bag. Drain the chicken from the marinade, then either toss them in the bag and shake it up or individually dip each strip into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This method ensures each tender gets that crunchy, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Bake and Flip for Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space so they cook evenly. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, but if your oven runs hot, 15 minutes may be enough. The result is crispy outside and tender inside—just perfect.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe multiple times, a few things helped me nail the perfect texture and flavor consistently. I’ve learned when you tweak little things, it makes all the difference.

Marinate Long Enough: Even 30 minutes is good, but if you want ultra-tender tenders, I recommend at least an hour or overnight. It really softens the chicken fibers.
Don’t Skip the Oil Drizzle: I used to skip adding oil to the pan, but it helps the breadcrumb coating crisp rather than dry out or stick.
Halfway Flip: Flipping halfway through baking keeps both sides evenly golden and crunchy instead of one side getting soggy.
Adjust Seasonings Freely: If you want to experiment, try adding parmesan or fresh herbs to the coating—it adds a nice flavor twist I’ve loved.

How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

oven-fried chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top for color and brightness. Sometimes I serve with lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of acidity—that tang really lifts the smoky paprika flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are simple and wholesome—think roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or some lightly seasoned sweet potato fries. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly here.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, I’ve served these tenders with an array of dipping sauces lined up on a board—ranch, honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo—and it’s always a crowd pleaser. Wrapping tenders in soft tortillas with crunchy slaw also makes a fun handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze leftover chicken tenders layered between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They freeze nicely for about 1-2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

I reheat mine in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating chewy instead of crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken breasts are best for this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender when marinated. Thighs are fattier and take longer to bake, which might affect the crispness. I don’t recommend using thighs for this particular method.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You should marinate the chicken strips for at least 1 hour, but if possible, letting them soak overnight yields a tender, juicy texture that enhances the overall flavor and prevents dryness during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. The cooking process remains the same, and you’ll still enjoy that crisp texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken tenders?

The best way to reheat leftover chicken tenders is in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. This method keeps the coating crispy and the meat juicy. Avoid microwaving because it can make the coating soggy or chewy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about having a batch of homemade, crispy chicken tenders ready to go in the oven—especially when you want that classic fried taste without the oil mess. This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe is a keeper in my kitchen and I’m betting you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorite easy dinners too. Give it a whirl this week, and enjoy all the crispy, tender goodness!