Everyone will enjoy a simple meal of flavorful baked chicken tenders. We will discuss how long to bake chicken tenders at 375 degrees and provide a quick recipe that requires few ingredients. This meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
On a busy night, simple chicken recipes come in very handy. One of my go-to recipes when I’m pressed for time is these baked chicken tenders, which can be made in just over 30 minutes.
These simple homemade chicken tenders are very adaptable and can be used as an appetizer, a side dish, a sandwich, or even as the topping for a salad.
Ingredients used:
- Chicken breast: I go with boneless and skinless breast cut into about 1-inch thick strips.
- Flour: To coat the meat. It also makes them extra crunchy on the outside.
- Seasoning: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs: I like using both here for coating the meat.
- Cooking spray
Cooking Times for Breaded Chicken Tenders
Oven-Baking:
- Temperature: 200°C (390°F)
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Internal Temperature: 74°C (165°F)
Deep-Frying:
- Oil Temperature: 175-180°C (350-360°F)
- Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes
- Internal Temperature: 74°C (165°F)
Tips for Perfect Breaded Chicken Tenders
Oven-Baking:
- Preheat the oven to the desired temperature before placing the chicken tenders in.
- Use a baking rack to allow air to circulate around the tenders, promoting even cooking.
- Spray the tenders with cooking oil to prevent them from drying out.
- Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tenders to ensure they have reached the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Deep-Frying:
- Use a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil.
- Heat the oil to the desired temperature before adding the chicken tenders.
- Fry the tenders in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Fry the tenders until they are golden brown and have reached the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Watch how to make it
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The majority of the recipes in the book are brand-new, but by popular demand, we included this reader favorite!
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- ▢ 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
- ▢ Oil spray
- ▢ 1 egg
- ▢ 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ▢ 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard (or other mustard)
- ▢ 2 tbsp flour
- ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
- ▢ Black pepper
- ▢ 500 g/1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5cm thick slices, lengthwise)
- ▢ Oil spray
- Preheat oven to 200C/390F.
- Spread panko on a baking tray, spray with oil (spray vertically to avoid blowing the panko off the tray), then bake for 3 to 5 minutes until light golden. Transfer to bowl.
- Place a rack on a baking tray (not critical but bakes more evenly).
- Place the Batter ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork until combined.
- Add the chicken into the Batter and toss to coat.
- Pick up chicken with tongs and place it into the panko bowl.
- Sprinkle surface with breadcrumbs, then press down to adhere. Transfer onto baking tray. Marvel at clean fingers, repeat with remaining chicken.
- Spray lightly with oil, sprinkle with a touch of salt (optional). Bake 15 minutes (medium) or up to 20 minutes if gigantic. Any longer = dried out chicken.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately, with Sauce of choice (Honey Mustard pictured, see Note 2) and sprinkled with fresh parsley, if desired.
Can I make them in the Air Fryer?
Yes, the Air Fryer is a fantastic and quick way to prepare them. Because little oil is used, it’s another healthy option, and the meat is still incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
You’ll love my Air Fryer Dorito Chicken, so check it out!
Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders
FAQ
What temp should chicken tenders be cooked at?
How long to cook store bought chicken tenders?