How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Oven Step by Step

Chicken Tenders in Oven

Imagine coming home after a long day, your stomach growling, and you’re craving something comforting. You want it crispy, juicy, and full of flavor—but without the guilt of deep-fried fast food. That’s where oven-baked chicken tenders come in.

Cooking chicken tenders in the oven isn’t just about throwing meat on a tray and hoping for the best. It’s about creating golden-brown, flavorful strips that deliver crunch on the outside and tenderness on the inside. The beauty? You don’t need to be a professional chef. With a few smart steps, you can turn simple chicken into a meal your whole family—or even just you—will look forward to.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything: from choosing the right chicken cuts, seasoning and coating them properly, to baking them at just the right temperature. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to cook chicken tenders in the oven step by step, without dry meat or soggy coating ever again.

Why Cook Chicken Tenders in Oven Instead of Frying?

Let’s be honest—you’ve probably had fried chicken tenders at least once in your life. They’re crunchy, salty, and delicious. But when you compare them to oven-baked tenders, the latter comes with some serious advantages:

• Healthier Choice: Less oil means fewer calories without losing the crisp.
• No Messy Kitchen: Forget about grease splatters all over your stove.
• Easier Cleanup: One baking tray vs. a pot of hot oil.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to prepare chicken tenders for school lunches.
• Meal Prep Hero: Bake a batch, refrigerate, and reheat for later.

Bottom line? Oven-baked chicken tenders give you flavor, crunch, and nutrition in a way frying simply can’t.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Tenders in Oven

Before you start, gather everything you need. Having your ingredients ready makes the process smoother and helps you avoid mistakes.

Essential Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken tenders	1 lb (450 g)	Fresh or thawed
Eggs	2 large	For dipping
Breadcrumbs/Panko	1 cup	Panko gives extra crunch
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Or use cooking spray
Seasonings	To taste	Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic

👉 Pro Tip: If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can slice boneless chicken breasts into strips. They’ll work the same.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Oven

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll never end up with dry or flavorless chicken again.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Chicken Tenders

• Trim off any fat or connective tissue.
• Pat them dry with a paper towel. Moisture prevents breadcrumbs from sticking.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

• Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
• Rub the spice mix over the chicken for flavor that penetrates beyond the coating.

Step 3 – Coat the Chicken

This is where the crunch factor happens. Use the dredging method:

1. Dip chicken in flour (light coating).
2. Dip into whisked eggs.
3. Roll in breadcrumbs or panko.

👉 For extra crunch: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for a double coat.

Step 4 – Preheat the Oven

• Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Step 5 – Bake the Chicken Tenders

• Place tenders evenly on the tray (don’t stack).
• Spray lightly with oil for golden color.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Check with a thermometer: internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6 – Serve & Enjoy

• Pair with honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
• Serve alongside fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

• Don’t skip oil spray—it’s the secret to golden color.
• Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for extra juiciness.
• Give space on the tray—overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.

Delicious Variations You Can Try

You don’t need to stick to the classic recipe every time. Change it up!

Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders

• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
• Bake without oil for a lighter version.

Spicy Chicken Tenders in Oven

• Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the coating.

Cheesy Oven-Baked Tenders (Kid-Friendly)

• Mix grated Parmesan with breadcrumbs for cheesy flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chicken Tenders

• Overcooking: Leads to dry, chewy chicken. Always check temp.
• Skipping Preheat: Cold ovens cause uneven cooking.
• Not Flipping: Both sides need heat for an even crunch.
• Too Much Oil: Can make tenders soggy instead of crispy.

Serving Ideas & Best Dipping Sauces

Chicken tenders are versatile—you can enjoy them as a main dish, snack, or even in wraps. Pair them with:

• Honey mustard
• Spicy buffalo sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Classic BBQ sauce

Perfect side dishes: mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp green salad.

FAQs About Chicken Tenders in Oven

How long do you cook chicken tenders in oven at 400°F?

Bake for 18–20 minutes, depending on thickness.

Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in oven?

Yes, but increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes.

How do you keep chicken tenders juicy in oven?

Marinate beforehand and avoid overcooking.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken tenders in oven?

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Conclusion: Time to Make Your Perfect Chicken Tenders

You now have everything you need to create crispy, golden, and juicy chicken tenders straight from your oven. From seasoning to baking and serving, you’ve learned step by step how to turn simple chicken into a meal that feels like a treat without the fryer guilt.

Next time you’re hungry and tempted to grab fast food, remember this guide. Your oven can do the job better, healthier, and tastier.

👉 Try this recipe tonight, share it with your family, and bookmark this guide so you always have it ready. Your crispy oven-baked chicken tenders are just 20 minutes away!