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๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dinner

Golden Baked Chicken Tenders

These homemade chicken tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a hit with everyone at the table.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 19, 2026
Golden Baked Chicken Tenders
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so comforting about a plate of crispy chicken tenders. These are baked in the oven instead of fried, which keeps the kitchen mess to a minimum and makes them a healthier option for a quick weeknight dinner.

My best tip for getting that signature crunch is to toast your breadcrumbs in a pan for a minute before coating the chicken. It gives the crust a beautiful golden color and a wonderful nutty flavor that makes all the difference.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey for serving

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter so it is fully coated.

  4. 4

    Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until it is covered on all sides, then place it on your prepared baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.

  6. 6

    Serve warm with a drizzle of honey on the side for dipping.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

These are best enjoyed right out of the oven, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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