Ditch the fast-food or frozen option. These Baked Panko Chicken Tenders are the healthy non-fried, easy, and crispy alternative that's full of flavor and super delicious!
Finally. Finally, I bring you these Baked Panko Chicken Tenders, because as a mom of a now 3-year old who has spent the first 3 years of her life without the classic tender de chicken, it was high time she had one. But obviously, one made from scratch!
Recipe Video
I love how simple, easy, and mess-free these are! Thanks to some tips we picked up from Recipe Tin Eats, chicken tenders recipe. With our own from scratch flair using Mayonnaise From Scratch and Dijon Mustard From Scratch!
First, for these crispy chicken tenders, you'll need to toast the panko breadcrumbs. This is key to making these chicken tenders super crunchy!
Next, mix of the batter ingredients.
Then, pro tip, use tongs or a fork to keep those pretty digits clean while you dredge the chicken in the batter and then the toasted panko breadcrumbs!
Then they're baked in the oven to crispy perfection!
Until they're ready to be dipped in your favorite condiment! M's favorite right now is our 5 Minute Homemade Ketchup! But next time I'm going to introduce her to the wonder that is our Fry Sauce. Regardless of the condiment, I was pretty happy that these Panko Chicken Tenders were my little one's first homemade chicken tenders experience!
Our Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are another house favorite!
Now the best part of these chicken tenders - you can freeze them! Put them in your freezer and then pop 'em out like you would a bag of frozen chicken tenders like you'd buy at the store. But with these, you know exactly what's in them and that they're made from scratch!
Other Healthy Appetizers
- Sweet Sesame Ginger Meatballs
- Parmesan Garlic Baked Chicken Wings
- Sundried Tomato Hummus
- Avocado Corn Salsa
- Crispy Tater Tots From Scratch
- Fresh Spinach Guacamole
Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
If you want to see more, be sure to sign up for my 5 Easy Ways to Start Cooking From Scratch!
Baked Panko Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken tenders
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- oil spray I use a misto
Batter
- 1 lg egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread panko breadcrumbs on baking sheet and give a quick spray with oil. Bake for 3-5 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and add to a medium sized bowl.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In another medium sized bowl, whisk together batter ingredients and add the chicken and toss to coat.
- With tongs, pick up chicken tenders one by one and add to panko breadcrumbs. Spread breadcrumbs on top of chicken and the gently press down with hand. Pick up with tongs and add to baking sheet. Repeat with all tenders.
- Give chicken a final quick sprinkle of kosher salt and then bake for 15 minutes or 20 if they're really large.
- Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley if desired and then serve immediately with your favorite condiment!
Kim
My daughter loves these! They are moist and yummy. Wondering if I could use this recipe with cod?
Jean Schram
Thanks to you I now know how do use panko! Never cooked our first. This recipe is similar to one in Epicurious but easier. I used Costco organic binaries skinless breasts and cut them intro meatier strips than typical tenders. Also used gluten free kikkoman panko. Brined for 30 minutes first. Incredibly juicy as well as crispy. Just a FANTASTIC recipe-thank you!
Jenn
I like that this had some flavor to it with the dijon and seasoning in the egg wash! I just added parm to the panko breadcrumbs. Was great on top of a yummy salad. Thanks!
Tracy
Hi Jenn! Thanks so much for letting me know - I love them on salads, too!
Hannah Flack
"This was great! Really enjoyed it - thanks for sharing. I do agree with another commenter who said it was a bit sweet - I will definitely reduce the sugar next time (I used regular granulated sugar).
Can't wait for leftovers tomorrow! :)"
Regards Hannah Flack