Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

Oven Fried Chicken Tenders - crunchy, crispy and golden brown these oven fried chicken tenders are the best oven fried chicken because they taste just like fried chicken without all the extra fat!!
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders – crunchy, crispy and golden brown these oven fried chicken tenders are the best oven fried chicken because they taste just like fried chicken without all the extra fat!!

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Oven fried chicken tenders in a cast iron skillet sitting on parchment paper and accompanied by lemon slices

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Coming from a Southern family, learning how to fry chicken around the same time I learned how to ride a bike is not only considered normal but proper.  There is simply nothing better than the perfectly seasoned golden exterior hiding the juicy tender inside and hearing the crunch in every single bite.  Now I like to keep things lighter, and this oven fried chicken tenders recipe is incredible!

The Heart and Soul of the Best Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort

Primary Cooking Method: Oven-Frying

Dietary Info: Poultry-Based, Lower in Fat

Key Flavor: Savory & Spiced

Skill Level Required: Easy

Sweet Highlights:

  • Crunchy Goodness: Oven-frying brings on the crispiness!
  • Flavor Packed: A spice blend that ensures every bite is a flavor adventure.
  • Versatile Vibes: From main dish to salad topper, these tenders can do it all.
Close up of oven fried Chicken Tenders on parchment paper with lemons

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders: These little strips of joy are lean, mean, and ready for some oven-frying action. Packed with protein and ready to soak up all the flavor goodness we’re about to throw at them!

Eggs: They’re here to bring the stickiness, helping our fabulous flour mixture cling to each tender.

Hot Sauce & Worcestershire: A dynamic duo, bringing a tangy kick and a rich, savory depth to the party.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crispy coating, ready to transform our tenders into a crunchy heaven.

Seasoned Salt: It’s like regular salt, but it’s been to flavor boot camp. It’s here to season like a pro!

Cornstarch: This is our crispy secret weapon, making sure each tender is perfectly crunchy.

Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Welcome to flavor town! These spices are ready to kick things up a notch and bring the heat and the sweet.

Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Here to ensure our tenders lift off the tray with ease, we’re avoiding the stick without the deep fryer.

How to Make Oven Fried Chicken

  • Preheat and Prep: Crank up your oven to 425 degrees and get your egg, hot sauce, and Worcestershire mix ready.
  • Flour Mix Fun: In a paper bag, shake together flour, seasoned salt, spices, and a milk drizzle to create a crumbly coating.
  • Dip and Set: Coat each chicken tender in the flour mix, dip in egg wash, coat again, and let set for 10-15 minutes.
  • Bake to Perfection: Place on a parchment-lined, sprayed baking tray, bake for 20-25 minutes, and serve with a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy your crispy delight!

Tip

I also create some cool crumb action by doing something I learned from the Pioneer Woman.  I add a drizzle of milk to my seasoned flour and then use a fork to create crumbs in the mixture.  It is such a fantastic trick, and I LOVE the results. 

How to Store

Store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 375 degrees until they’re crispy and heated through, about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Like fried chicken, I love serving with some of the following:

More Fried Chicken Recipes

Find more Fried Chicken recipes HERE

A pile of fried chicken with the words, "Best Fried Chicken Recipes" on a blue graphic
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oven fried chicken tenders

Oven Fried Chicken Tenders (Oven Fried Chicken)

Oven Fried Chicken Tenders – crunchy, crispy and golden brown these oven fried chicken tenders are the best oven fried chicken because they taste just like fried chicken without all the extra fat!!
4.36 from 98 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2- 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Optional: Lemon wedges for garnish and serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together eggs, hot sauce and worcestershire and set aside.
  • Next add flour, seasoned salt, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to a paper bag and shake to mix well.
  • Drizzle milk into the flour and use a fork to mix it into the flour and create crumbs.
  • Dip each chicken tender into flour mixture and then egg wash coating both sides then dip back into seasoned flour thoroughly coating each piece. Then add piece to baking sheet to rest.
  • Finish coating all chicken and let sit for 10-15 minutes until coating has set.
  • While coating sets, add parchment paper sheets to cast iron skillet or baking sheet and liberally spray with non stick cooking spray.
  • Add floured chicken to parchment paper and liberally spray the tops of chicken tenders with non stick spray and drizzle the tops of chicken with tablespoons of vegetable oil.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout. Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle lemon on chicken if you wish.

Video

Notes

Note: this technique can be used with all chicken pieces to make all oven fried chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 3275mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1.7mg
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Filed Under:  Chicken, Dinner, Main Dishes, Oven

Comments

  1. Oh my! I am dying over these oven baked chicken tenders!! They LOOK like they are fried!!! I never would have guessed that they are baked! Can’t wait to try.

  2. I love how food = memories 🙂 These oven fried chicken tenders look amazing…I can’t do the fried chicken thing either, for the same reason, and this looks like a great alternative. Love the tip with the milk in the flour, I will have to try it!

  3. These chicken tenders look awesome! I can’t believe they are oven-fried and I love all the seasonings you added.

    1. Thanks so much Christin!!! I love chicken tenders so this is definitely a better way to have them!

  4. My mom used to fry chicken all the time and I’ve never done it for my family. Shame on me! I need to learn from you and start frying, because the men in my house love fried chicken! I think I’ll start here and work my way up! 🙂

  5. I absolutely LOVE reading about your Southern roots!! So interesting and so comforting. And the recipes are, of course, BE.YOND!!

  6. Jocelyn, I love this!! “Learning how to fry chicken around the same time I learned how to ride a bike is not only considered normal but proper.” I would expect nothing less from a Southern gal .. BUT I love that you baked these. . I love frying at home but hate the clean-up and sometimes the smell/odor that’s left!!

    1. Ha thank you my dear! And I totally get you about that clean up. It can be a beast especially with so much other work to do.

  7. This looks delicious! Chicken tenders are my favourite comfort food! Love the fact they’re oven-fried! 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Jess! The oven frying definitely allows you to splurge a bit more on a few more haha!

  8. Wow, I can’t believe these are baked in the oven! They look gorgeous, and with how much my husband loves fried chicken, I bet this baked version would finally win him over. Pinning this one for later! 🙂

4.36 from 98 votes (59 ratings without comment)

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