Name: Truly Golden Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 650g / 1.3 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast cut into strips); 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose/plain); Oil spray

Why You’ll Love Truly Golden Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

The crunch is truly next level — you won’t miss deep-frying when the coating comes out that crisp.
It uses everyday ingredients and fewer steps than typical breaded-chicken recipes.
Clean fingers! The batter-and-crumb coating method means less mess and no sticky dredging.
Quick to prepare: from start to finish the whole process takes about 30 minutes.
Versatile for dipping: serve with honey-mustard, ranch, or your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Panko breadcrumbs (toasted)
Oil spray
Egg
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard (or other mustard)
Flour
Salt
Black pepper
Chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast cut into strips)
Optional: extra salt for sprinkling after baking

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200 °C (390 °F) (or 180 °C fan-forced).
Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 3–5 minutes until light golden. Transfer to a bowl.
Place a rack on a baking tray to help the tenders bake evenly.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the chicken pieces into the batter and toss to coat.
Using tongs, transfer each piece into the toasted panko, press down to adhere, and place on the baking tray.
Lightly spray the chicken with oil and optionally sprinkle with extra salt.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on size, until cooked through and golden.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~15–20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Add garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to the batter or breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free version.
Swap in boneless chicken thighs for juicier, richer meat.
Add cayenne or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick.
Change up the dipping sauce: ranch, barbecue, sweet-chili, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce work great.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 200 °C (390 °F) for 3–5 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunch.

FAQs

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe as they’re larger and create a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts cut into strips work just as well and offer the same crispy result.

Is it essential to toast the breadcrumbs first?

Yes, pre-toasting the breadcrumbs ensures a golden, crisp coating even with a short baking time.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can pre-toast the panko and batter the chicken a day ahead, but avoid freezing raw breaded tenders.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when the coating is golden and the inside is no longer pink, typically after 15–20 minutes of baking.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free flour and panko and follow the same steps.

What oil spray is best?

A neutral-flavored spray like canola or vegetable oil helps achieve a crisp finish without altering the flavor.

Can I skip the mayonnaise or mustard in the batter?

You can, but they add flavor and help the batter stick — removing them might result in a drier coating.

Are these tenders healthy?

They are healthier than fried versions since they’re baked and use less oil while still delivering crunch and flavor.

What dipping sauces pair best?

Honey-mustard, ranch, barbecue, sweet-chili, or a herbed yogurt dip all pair beautifully with these tenders.

Conclusion

This baked chicken tenders recipe is a game-changer if you want a crispy, flavorful coating without the grease or hassle of frying. It’s fast, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. With golden panko crunch, juicy chicken, and your favorite dipping sauce on the side, this dish is bound to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.