Name: Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 28 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, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; ½ tablespoon dried parsley or oregano; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Nothing beats the crispy crunch of fried chicken tenders without the mess of deep-frying. This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe gives you that satisfying crispiness with a juicy inside, all baked to perfection in your oven. It’s comfort food made simple—and I promise, once you try it, you’ll make it again and again.

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

Every time I make these oven-fried chicken tenders, it feels like a little victory over greasy takeout. You get all the flavor and crunch, but with way less guilt and way less fuss. Plus, they're super customizable, so it’s easy to make them just the way you like.

Crispy, not greasy: Baked instead of fried, you get that golden crunch without drowning in oil.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything needed right in your kitchen already.
Juicy on the inside: The marinade keeps the chicken tender and flavorful, no dry bites here.
Easy to customize: Add a little spice, swap herbs—you can make it your own each time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a special role. The marinade isn’t just about flavor—it’s your secret to tenderizing the chicken. The panko breadcrumbs add that irresistible light crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match. Here’s what each part does and some shopping tips that might save you a trip.

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: Trimmed and cut into strips, they’re lean and cook evenly when marinated—perfect for tenders.
Milk: Helps tenderize and keep the chicken juicy while infusing the seasoning.
Garlic Powder: Gives a warm, savory depth that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential to bring everything together.
Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the coating in the oven without excess grease.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light, crunchy texture that’s hard to beat.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that hints at traditional fried chicken.
Dried Parsley or Oregano: Adds a fresh, herby note—feel free to choose your favorite herb here.

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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 like to play around with the seasoning mix depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Sometimes I go classic with parsley, other times I add a pinch of cayenne if I’m craving a little heat. It’s such a forgiving recipe—you really can’t go wrong.

Variation: One time, I swapped smoked paprika for chipotle powder to get a smoky-spicy flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free panko breadcrumbs—they crisp up just as well!
Cooking method: If you have an air fryer, you’re going to love using it here—it speeds things up and still gives great crunch.

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 Juiciness

I start by whisking together milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then I add the chicken strips, making sure each one is well submerged. Letting them soak for at least an hour (or even overnight) makes all the difference—you’ll notice the chicken is way more tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Pan

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To get a crispy coating without frying, I drizzle avocado or olive oil on the pan and spread it around to avoid dry spots. This little step helps the tenders brown beautifully.

Step 3: Coat with Crispy Seasoned Panko

Drain the chicken from the marinade, then toss the strips in a bag with panko, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Shaking the bag ensures each piece is evenly coated. If you want extra coverage, you can dip each strip individually—totally up to you.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each for even cooking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. When they’re crisp and golden on the outside and juicy inside, they’re ready to dig in!

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to jaw-dropping oven-fried chicken tenders isn’t just in the breading, but the marinade and baking method. These tips save you from dry, soggy, or unevenly cooked tenders every time.

Marinate Long Enough: Don’t rush this step. The milk and spices soaking into the chicken tenderize and build flavor, so waiting at least an hour pays off.
Don’t Skip the Oil on the Pan: It might sound minor, but it prevents sticking and helps the coating get evenly crispy and brown without excess grease.
Flip Midway: Turning the tenders halfway through baking ensures both sides get that golden crunch—don’t forget this!
Use Panko for Crispness: Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same texture; panko is your best friend here.

How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

oven-fried chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Whenever I serve these tenders, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon to brighten them up. A little side of dipping sauce makes them feel extra special—I’m a sucker for honey mustard or a smoky BBQ sauce. It’s those small touches that make a simple dish really pop.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair perfectly with crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or my classic creamy mashed potatoes. For a quick weeknight meal, I serve them alongside sweet potato fries or steamed broccoli. They’re flexible enough to complement whatever you have on hand!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve plated these tenders in a lettuce wrap with avocado and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a casual, handheld lunch that’s always a hit. On special occasions, I’ve arranged them on a platter with an array of colorful dips—guacamole, ranch, and salsa—to turn it into a shareable party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead of time. I flash freeze the breaded tenders on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then pop them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I always use the oven or an air fryer to keep that crispy coating intact. Pop them in at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, and they come out almost as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

While chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy, for this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe, I recommend using chicken breasts or tenders because they have a more uniform shape and cook more evenly. Thighs can be trickier to coat and bake consistently.

How long should the chicken marinate in milk?

For the best results in this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe, marinate the chicken strips for at least one hour. If you have more time, letting them marinate overnight in the refrigerator will make them even more tender and flavorful.

Can I make these chicken tenders dairy-free?

Yes! To make this Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe dairy-free, swap the milk marinade with unsweetened almond milk or another non-dairy milk alternative. The marinade still tenderizes the chicken well without dairy.

What’s the best way to keep the tenders crispy after baking?

To keep your Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders crispy after baking, avoid covering them while still warm and store leftovers loosely in the fridge. When reheating, using an oven or air fryer helps restore that crunch better than a microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes I can always count on to impress with minimal effort. It’s a delicious, healthier take on a classic comfort food that I love sharing with my family and friends. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—it’s fun, flexible, and totally worth the little time it takes. So go ahead, grab some chicken, and get this recipe baking tonight!