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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Published: Jan 19, 2017 / Updated: Jul 18, 2022 / 8 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This baked chicken tenders recipe with a honey lemon glaze and a quick homemade ranch dipping sauce can be on your table in less than 30 minutes! It's a kid-friendly meal for busy weeknights.

    Need more chicken recipes your family will love? Try my simple Chicken Patties!

    hand holding a baked lemon chicken tender dipped in homemade ranch dip

    Easy chicken tenders recipe

    I think your whole family will adore the combination of crunchy chicken tenders with a sticky honey lemon glaze and a zesty ranch dipping sauce! It's an addictive mix of savory and sweet flavors, and you will have no trouble getting the kids to eat up these bad boys. They're also inexpensive to make at home.

    These chicken tenders give fried chicken vibes, but of course they're significantly healthier since they're baked. Oven frying results in perfectly crispy chicken on the outside that's tender and juicy inside. I don't care how old I get, I'm always going to enjoy these.

    What you'll need

    For the tenders

    • Chicken - I used chicken fillets, but if they're hard to find in your area, you can simply cut up chicken breasts into 1 inch strips in a pinch.
    • Panko breadcrumbs - this is a Japanese breadcrumb that's found in the same aisle as the regular ones at your grocery store. They're lighter, crispier, and make a fantastic breading.
    • Milk - for a little bit of moisture
    • Egg - to bind everything together

    For the glaze

    • Lemon juice - always use fresh lemon. We're using the zest as well to make it even brighter!
    • White vinegar - for a little tang
    • Garlic powder - who can resist a little garlic flavor?
    • Honey - for that delicious sweet contrast. It doesn't make it overly sweet, though.

    For the ranch dipping sauce

    • Sour cream and mayo - for the rich creamy base and the signature ranch tang
    • Worcestershire sauce - gives a little extra savory flavor. I wouldn't skip it.
    • Lemon juice - adds a bit of acidity
    • Garlic powder - enhances the savory quality even more
    • Parsley - some chopped fresh parsley takes the sauce over the top with a burst of freshness
    baked sticky lemon chicken tenders on parchment paper with a small bowl of homemade ranch dipping sauce

    How to make chicken tenders

    This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    • Preheat the oven to 425F. Prep two bowls, one with panko and one with the milk and egg mixture. Dip each piece of chicken in into the egg mixture, shake the excess off, then cover it with the breadcrumbs.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they're cooked through.
    • Add the glaze ingredients to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it bubble until thickened. Meanwhile, combine the ranch dipping sauce ingredients.
    • Dip the chicken tenders into the glaze. Serve immediately with the tasty ranch dip!

    Can I make them ahead?

    • Yes! If you bread them and freeze them in airtight freezer bags or containers, you should be good to go for up to 3 months.
    • Just make sure to add a little bit of extra time to the baking time indicated in the instructions until the chicken is cooked through properly. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure properly cooked chicken.

    What to serve with them

    • If the kids aren't a fan of the homemade ranch dip, you can totally serve these with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or even plum sauce. For adventurous eaters, this Cajun Remoulade Sauce is a winner.
    • It's great with a classic Simple Creamy Coleslaw Recipe or this Easy Broccoli Salad.
    • For picky eaters, French fries or Garlic Mashed Potatoes will be a hit.

    Leftovers and storage

    • They will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in a covered container, but they will definitely soften up, so I recommend eating right away.
    • For reheating, try 400F for 5-6 minutes until they crisp up a bit. You could also use your air fryer if that's more convenient.
    • I don't recommend microwaving them since the breading will not crisp up again using that method.

    More kid-friendly recipes

    • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
    • Quick & Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
    • Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
    • One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
    • Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe
    baking sheet with sticky lemon chicken tenders

    Did you make these tasty chicken tenders? Tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments below!

    These baked sticky lemon chicken tenders with a quick homemade ranch dipping sauce can be on your table in less than half an hour!

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    This baked chicken tenders recipe with a honey lemon glaze and a quick homemade ranch dipping sauce can be on your table in less than 30 minutes! It's a kid-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound chicken fillets
    • 1 cup panko crumbs
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 1 egg

    Honey lemon glaze:

    • Juice + zest of one lemon
    • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 1/2 cup honey

    Dipping sauce:

    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 3 tablespoons mayo
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425F. Place rack in top third of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a good non-stick one).
    • Prepare two bowls: one with panko crumbs and one with the egg and milk (whisk the egg & milk together).
    • Dip each piece of chicken one by one into the liquid bowl (let excess drip off) and then the panko. Place them on the baking sheet.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they're cooked through.
    • Meanwhile, add the lemon juice + zest, vinegar, garlic powder, honey, and salt & pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, until it thickens and reduces.
    • Combine the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
    • Once the chicken tenders are cooked, dip them in the honey lemon glaze (tongs or your fingers will work). Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

    Notes

    • The breading will soften the longer you leave it, so I suggest eating these right away.
    Keyword baked lemon chicken tenders
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Healthy Baked Salmon Tacos
    Spicy Chipotle Buddha Bowl with Cauliflower Rice »

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    1. Jodi says

      January 25, 2017 at 1:53 PM

      Oh my heck, these look so delicious! I have got to make them, my boys will go crazy over them!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 25, 2017 at 3:12 PM

        Thanks, Jodi! Hope you guys love them.

        Reply
    2. Tracy says

      January 20, 2017 at 5:01 PM

      If I didn't want to use milk in the chicken recipe, what could I use instead for the breading?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 20, 2017 at 6:24 PM

        Hi Tracy, I would use water.

        Reply
    3. Karly says

      January 20, 2017 at 8:43 AM

      Recipes like this one are the reasons why I'll never outgrow chicken tenders. These look perfectly crispy and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 20, 2017 at 8:51 AM

        Me too! I will always love them. Thanks, Karly!!

        Reply
    4. Gabriella says

      January 20, 2017 at 6:03 AM

      These chicken tenders look SO good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 20, 2017 at 8:09 AM

        Thank you!!

        Reply

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