Easy Baked Chicken Tenders are oven baked to create healthier chicken tenders. The panko crust is crunchy, but you can sub in regular breadcrumbs, and has good flavor from the spices. These are a kid and adult favorite! 

EASY BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS 

Today I am revamping one of the first recipes that I ever created on my site for Healthy Chicken Fingers.

This is such an easy chicken recipe and we all need some of those in our back pocket for those busy weeknights.

When my kids need a quick meal on the table these Baked Chicken Tenders are often what they ask for. 

You can’t go wrong with chicken nuggets on a busy night. And these are crispy chicken tenders which is an added bonus! 

One thing I love about making my own homemade chicken tenders is that I control the ingredients and they are baked.

This helps to make a healthier chicken tender for your family. 

I also like to make these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders and these Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders sometimes. 

I will pair these chicken tenders with Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Oven Baked Carrot Fries or these Apple Chips. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS TENDER RECIPE

CHICKEN TENDERLOINS

PANKO BREADCRUMBS {OR REGULAR}

PARMESAN CHEESE

GARLIC POWDER

THYME

PARSLEY

PAPRIKA

OLIVE OIL {OR USE EGG}

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE

You’ll  love how easy it is to make these healthy, delicious chicken fingers! Just follow these simple steps.

PREPARE THE BREADING FOR THE TENDERS: In a shallow bowl combine the ingredients for the breading which includes panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper.

Stir it until it is well combined. Set this aside. You can feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. 

DREDGE THE CHICKEN FINGERS IN OIL AND BREADCRUMBS: Next you will pour the olive oil in a separate shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken tender in the olive oil {or egg}, making sure to coat both sides.

Then take the chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture making sure both sides are coated. Put the coated tenders on to a prepared baking sheet once coated. If you have a wire rack I suggest using it when baking chicken tenders on top of the baking sheet to help create an even crispier chicken. 

BAKE IN THE OVEN: The best part of these chicken tender is they are baked in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F then bake chicken tenders for 25 minutes, flipping the tenders once until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer and they turn golden brown.

Sprinkle the crispy tenders with fresh parsley if you want and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, bbq sauce or honey mustard sauce. Store the leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

MODIFICATIONS AND COOKING TIPS FOR HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS: 

• SPICES: Try using a variety of spices like italian seasoning, onion powder, Greek seasoning, za’atar, paprika or chili powder. 
• HEAT: You get to control what goes in this, which is the best part! If your family likes some spice add some cayenne pepper. If your family hates spice leave it out all together and stick with salt, pepper and maybe a little garlic powder.
• BREADCRUMBS: Try both regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs on these chicken tenders. Panko breadcrumbs will create a crunchier texture.
• OIL VS. EGG: You can use egg or olive oil for the liquid. This helps the breading stick to the chicken but you can pick what you want to use based on your dietary restrictions. 
• DIPPING SAUCES: You can serve these oven-baked chicken tenders with all kinds of sauces like barbecue sauce, ketchup, ranch or even a dill sauce. 
• GLAZES: Brush your cooked chicken tenders with honey, balsamic reductions or a spicy glaze to add flavor! 

WAYS TO SERVE CHICKEN TENDERS:

WRAP OR SANDWICH: Use chicken tenders as the main protein in wraps, sandwiches, or sliders. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of condiments.

SALAD TOPPING: These chicken tenders work great on top of a salad alongside vegetables, greens and seeds. 

TACO OR BURRITO FILLING: I like to use these in Mexican food like tacos or burritos. 

PASTA DISH: If you’re making pasta these chicken tenders would be nice cut up and added to your favorite pasta. 

STIR-FRY: When you make a stir-fry add the chicken tenders into the sautéed vegetables. 

OTHER CHICKEN RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE: 

COQ AU VIN

GREEK LEMON CHICKEN

MOROCCAN CHICKEN THIGHS

GREEK CHICKEN WITH TZATZIKI

GREEK MARINATED CHICKEN KABOBS

CHICKEN SLIDERS