Juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside — these baked chicken tenders are oven or air-fryer friendly, family-approved, and perfect for fakeaway nights!
If you’re after crispy chicken tenders without the mess (or stress!) of frying, or the long ingredient list, this is the recipe for you. These oven-baked chicken tenders come out golden, crunchy and juicy every single time – no weird ingredients, no deep-fryer and no standing over the stove. My family love these!
The secret to that incredible crunch and colour is a simple breadcrumb mix boosted with a little sweet paprika. It helps the crumb brown beautifully in the oven (or air fryer) and adds just the right hint of flavour (it is very subtle – in fact, you may not even realise it’s there!). The chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to a quick soak in buttermilk – an easy step that makes all the difference.
Serve these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with oven fries or air-fried chips and my Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce (trust me, it’s dangerously good) for a fakeaway dinner the whole family will devour. Quick, budget-friendly and healthier than the drive-thru –these are the kind of recipes that make busy nights feel just that little bit easier.
Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of flour to create a quick paste. This helps the crumb stick and keeps the chicken juicy, just like the buttermilk version. Note that DIY buttermilk (milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice) does not work with this recipe (it’s not thick enough to cling onto the chicken).
Can I make these ahead?
Yes — marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours ahead, then crumb and bake when ready. You can also fully cook and freeze the tenders for quick dinners later!
What’s the secret to getting them crispy?
A couple of things: preheating the oven or air fryer, pressing the crumb on firmly, and using a light spray of oil before baking. And the sweet paprika helps give that golden colour even without frying.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! The seasoning is mild and the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is always a hit. You can serve them with simple sides like fries, salad or even wrap them in flatbread for an easy meal.
Hot tips to stop the coating falling off the chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade – Excess water can dilute the buttermilk and prevent the crumb from sticking properly.
- Don’t skip the flour in the marinade – It helps the buttermilk cling to the chicken, creating a sticky base for the crumb to hold on to.
- Use your hands to press the crumb on – Don’t just toss and hope for the best – pressing firmly helps the breadcrumbs stick and makes the coating crispier.
- Preheat the oven or air fryer – A hot surface helps set the crumb immediately so it doesn’t slide off.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray or basket – Give each piece space to crisp up, otherwise you risk steaming instead of baking.
- Spray with oil – A light but even coating of spray oil helps the crumb become golden and crunchy. Don’t drench it, but don’t skip it either!
Watch how to make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
If you loved Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, I think you’ll love:
Southern “Fried” Baked Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken Burgers
Crispy Baked Schnitzel
Homemade Fish and Chips
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect fakeaway – juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, without the need for deep-frying. Quick to prep, oven or air fryer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights, freezer meal prep or anytime you want dinner sorted – without the takeaway bill!
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken tenderloins (or use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips)
- ½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk (see note 1 for substitute)
- 1½ cups (90 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes, plus extra to season after baking
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray, or olive oil to drizzle
HONEY MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE
- 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (can be substituted with lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
TO SERVE
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken – Place the buttermilk and flour in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Let them sit for 20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours). This helps tenderise the chicken and keeps it juicy. Alternatively, you can proceed with the recipe immediately.
- Make the honey mustard dipping sauce – In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, both mustards, the honey, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir until smooth.
- Preheat – Oven: Preheat to 240°C (425°F) (220°C/200°C fan-forced) for at least 15–20 minutes and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Air fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the crumb – In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Crumb the chicken – Lift the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to help the crumbs stick.
- Cook the chicken – Oven method: Arrange the chicken on the prepared tray. Spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Air fryer method: Arrange the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp, golden and cooked through. - Serve – Serve the crispy chicken tenders with fries, green salad and the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Notes
Note 1 – If you don’t have buttermilk, do not use regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar stirred in (this is a common buttermilk sub, but it doesn’t work in this recipe as it’s not thick enough). Instead, use 2 eggs whisked with 2 tablespoons of flour.
Make Ahead
Marinate ahead – The chicken can be marinated in the buttermilk and flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to crumb and bake.
Crumb ahead – If you want to get even further ahead, you can fully crumb the chicken tenders and store them, uncooked, on a tray lined with baking paper in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy nights or even when catering for kids’ parties (this method will produce a slightly softer, but equally delicious crumb).
Cooked and frozen – Fully cooked tenders freeze well. Once completely cool, transfer to an airtight container or snaplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for batch cooking and emergency dinners.
To reheat cooked tenders from frozen:
- Oven – Place the frozen tenders on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) for 15–20 minutes or until hot and crispy.
- Air fryer – Place the frozen tenders in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crisp.
- There’s no need to thaw before reheating.
Leftovers
Fridge – Store any cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crumb will naturally soften slightly.
Reheating – For best results, reheat the tenders in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 8–10 minutes, or in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, until hot and crispy. The microwave works too if you’re short on time, but the crumb will lose its crunch.
Freezing cooked tenders – See the make ahead instructions above.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – Store leftover sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Not suitable for freezing.
Side dishes – Fresh salad ingredients won’t freeze well but can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge until serving time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 20 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Chicken, Fakeaway, Get Ahead Meal Prep, 20 Minutes or Less, Kid-friendly
- Method: Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fakeaway, Family Favourites
