Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders on a wire baking rack.

5 from 12 votes

Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for dinner or appetizers. These are kid-approved and family-tested.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 253kcal

Author: Gina Abernathy

Ingredients

1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs may need more
1 cup French Fried Onions may need more
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Sriracha Hot Sauce optional
1-1½ pounds chicken tenders

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on the prepared pan and spray the rack with cooking spray.
Combine bread crumbs, fried onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large zip-top bag. Crush the onions and shake to mix.
In a shallow bowl, add buttermilk and hot sauce.
Dip 1 piece of chicken at a time in the buttermilk mixture and place in a zip-top bag; seal, and shake. Place each piece of chicken on the prepared wire rack.
Bake for 35-45 minutes until done. The time depends on the thickness of the chicken tenders. Do not turn the chicken during baking. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165 degrees.

Notes

Recipe Tips

Use a wire rack so heat circulates and crisps all sides.
Don't skip the resting time. It keeps the juices inside and allows the chicken to slide off the rack.
Crush onions finely so they stick better.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray tops before baking.
Use foil or parchment paper under the baking rack. This makes cleaning up a little easier.
The time listed is a guide. Some chicken tenders are thicker than others, and the times may need to be adjusted accordingly. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165 degrees.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make it. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the milk. Give it a good stir and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition