• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Trending Now: Simple One Pan Meals!
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Favorite Products
  • Contact

Mad About Food

Easy Healthy Whole Food Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Dessert
    • Snack
    • Cocktails
    • Sauces, Dips, and Dressings
  • Protein
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Seafood
    • Turkey
    • Meatless
  • Method
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Grilling
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • One Pan Meal
  • Dietary
    • Gluten Free
    • Dairy Free
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Egg Free
    • Nut Free

Trending:

30 Minute Meals

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

One Pan

Meal Prep

Breakfast

Sauces, Dips and Dressings

Home Blog Recipes

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

print comments
Share
Share on:
Jump to Recipe
By: MadelinePosted: 11/16/2020Updated: 06/28/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Use simple ingredients to make the best ever Oven Baked Chicken Tenders. These simple gluten free chicken tenders are perfect for kids and the young at heart.

Above view of easy oven baked chicken tenders on a serving plate

Skip the frozen chicken tenders and make these gluten free chicken tenders with 7 simple ingredients

Chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce are my #1 comfort food. When I am upset or stressed out I have a hard time eating anything, but I can ALWAYS eat that.

I used to buy the frozen chicken fingers from the grocery store and I do still love them, BUT I wanted to make a homemade chicken strips recipe with simpler ingredients.

In my opinion these homemade chicken tenders have all of the flavor of the store bought ones, but without all of the extra ingredients.

Crispy chicken tenders on a metal baking rack

What kitchen tools will I need to make these Oven Baked Chicken Tenders?

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Baking sheet with wire rack

Why should I use a wire baking rack to bake these chicken tenders in the oven? What if I don’t have one?

I find that baking these chicken tenders on a wire rack on a baking sheet gives them a more even bake and allows them to crisp on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack to bake on, do not worry.

Just bake the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet, but take them out half way through baking a flip them.

Above view of a hand grabbing a baked chicken strip

What ingredients will I need to make these healthy baked chicken tenders?

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make these oven baked chicken tenders at home with simple, grain free ingredients.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins – If you cannot find chicken tenderloins, you can buy boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into tenders.
  • Egg
  • Almond flour
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika

You can customize this chicken recipe to include other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs.

Can I make these chicken tenders dairy free?

Yes! While I think the parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of these homemade chicken tenders, you can certainly make them without it.

Just use 1 full cup of almond flour and none of the parmesan cheese. Mix the spices in with the almond flour and continue the recipe as written.

Above view of a baked breaded chicken tender dipping into a honey mustard sauce

Let’s make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders!

Step 1: Prep breading station

To begin, preheat oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on the baking sheet. Then, whisk the egg in a shallow bowl.

In a separate shallow bowl combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Bread chicken tenders

Then, bread the chicken tenders by dipping them in the egg mixture then pressing into the almond flour mixture. Next, place each tender on the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake chicken tenders in the oven until Golden brown

Once all tenders are breaded, spray on both sides with a spray oil – I used avocado oil. Then, place in the oven to back at 450F for 13 minutes.

Then, after 13 minutes, increase the oven heat to a broil without removing the tenders from the oven. Leave the tenders to cook for 3 mores minutes and then remove from the tenders from the oven.

The internal temperature should be at least 165F. Finally, allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly and enjoy!

Step 4: Enjoy!

Above view of crispy baked chicken tenders served with a honey mustard dipping sauce

How long will these chicken tenders keep in the fridge?

Once prepared, allow the tenders too cool completely then store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

It is best to reheat these chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Serving these crispy chicken fingers with your favorite sauce!

I like to serve them with a homemade honey mustard sauce and french fries, but any of the following sauces would be perfect!

  • Healthy Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
  • Homemade Spicy Mayo
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Image for pinning oven baked chicken tenders recipe on Pinterest
Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

★★★★★ 4.9 from 12 reviews

Simple gluten free oven baked chicken tenders

Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 15 mintuesCook: 16 minutesTotal: 34 minute
Print Pin it Rate recipe Save recipe
Servings: 3 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenderloins (or breasts cut into tenders)
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Spray oil – I used avocado oil

** for dairy free chicken tenders use 1 cup almond flour and omit the parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on the baking sheet
  2. Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl
  3. In a separate shallow bowl combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and smoked paprika
  4. Bread the chicken tenders by dipping them in the egg then pressing into the almond flour mixture 
  5. Place on the wire rack on the baking sheet
  6. Once all tenders are breaded, spray on both sides with a spray oil – I used avocado
  7. Place in the oven to back at 450F for 13 minutes
  8. After 13 minutes, increase the oven heat to a broil without removing the tenders from the oven
  9. Leave the tenders to cook for 3 mores minutes and then remove from the tenders from the oven
  10. The internal temperature should be at least 165F
  11. Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly and enjoy!
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Did you make my

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders?

Rate recipe Share on Insta Save recipe

I appreciate your reviews SO much! Mention @mad_about_food and hashtag your photo with #madaboutfood

  • Facebook
  • Email

Related Recipes

  • Above view of cooked honey mustard chicken recipe
    Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
  • Three quarter view of lemon herb chicken in a baking dish
    Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
  • Above view of chicken with sriracha
    Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders
  • Above view of baked chicken cutlets on a plate with lemon slices
    Healthy Baked Chicken Cutlet
Side view of two flourless brownies stacked on top of one another on a serving plate with more double chocolate brownies in the background
Previous Post
Flourless Double Chocolate Brownies
Apple cider sangria recipe in serving glasses topped with cinnamon and pomegranate seeds
Next Post
Apple Cider Sangria

About Madeline

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Tara Durkot says

    Posted on 11/17 at 6:07 pm

    Made this tonight for my family and everyone loved it. It was easy enough and we will likely always have the ingredients on hand so definitely will add this into the rotation. We made the chik-fil-a dipping sauce to accompany it and loved that as well! Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 11/19 at 11:16 am

      amazing!! Thank you!!

      Reply
  2. Carly says

    Posted on 11/20 at 6:57 pm

    Who knew adding some spices and baking almond flour chicken tenders could make SUCH a difference?! Made the ones without dairy and still came out delicious! You must make these! Quick prep time and cook time! These are a new favorite in our house! Thank you so much!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 11/20 at 11:43 pm

      Aw thank you!! This makes me so happy!!

      Reply
  3. Alicia says

    Posted on 11/21 at 3:09 pm

    Love these! So easy and my toddler even ate them!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 11/25 at 10:38 am

      oh thats so great!! Thank you!!

      Reply
  4. Morgan says

    Posted on 1/8 at 2:16 pm

    Holy moly. These babies are out of this world! Never would I have thought to use smoked paprika (it’s a very strong smell!) but good lord does it make the world of difference!! I forgot to spray the last round I made with oil before baking – don’t make that mistake!! These are incredible!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/8 at 10:19 pm

      oo yes definitely make sure you spray. SO glad you enjoyed them!! thank you!!

      Reply
  5. Jenna says

    Posted on 1/10 at 6:05 pm

    I always gauge my family’s reaction to the healthier recipes I make and these were a total win! My dad taste tested to make sure the chicken was fully cooked and he said they were delicious— and I agree 🙂 so perfect for a football sunday.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/11 at 10:08 pm

      Love that! THank you!!

      Reply
  6. Bethany says

    Posted on 9/17 at 7:19 pm

    Made this for dinner tonight and everyone loved them, even my son who is a picky eater. Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Claire says

    Posted on 10/4 at 7:34 pm

    The best addition to any salad!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 10/5 at 12:01 pm

      Love it! Thanks Claire!

      Reply
  8. Claire says

    Posted on 10/12 at 11:55 pm

    Very delicious recipe! My tenders didn’t come out as pretty…maybe because my parmesan wasn’t as finely grated, but would 10/10 make again. Love an easy quick prep dinner. I roasted some brussel sprouts on the other oven rack while the tenders baked.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Erin says

    Posted on 12/7 at 1:40 pm

    My go-to way to make chicken tenders!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 12/8 at 12:41 pm

      yay thanks Erin!

      Reply
  10. Gina Lockwood says

    Posted on 1/8 at 9:27 pm

    Love this quick and easy recipe! It’s also delicious and grandkids loved it too! Definitely will make again for extras to have to cut up for salads.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/9 at 4:14 pm

      thanks Gina! love when littles like my recipes!

      Reply
  11. Renee Aguilar says

    Posted on 4/3 at 3:33 pm

    Yummy! The whole family enjoyed it & asked me to make it again soon!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  12. Mary Henderson says

    Posted on 5/1 at 7:35 pm

    The family and I loved these!
    I put them directly on the pan and flipped them half way through. Turned out just right!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 5/2 at 6:08 pm

      thanks Mary! so glad the whole fam loved it

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

Read More

Popular Posts

Whole30 BLT Chicken Salad

Blueberry Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

Ground Beef Baked Tacos

No Bread Turkey Club

Grab my

Top 5 Tips for Simplifying Meal Time!

Sign me up!

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Join me and 225k friends on instagram

"This is my third time making this recipe and it’s a fave for meal prepping! So delicious, quick and easy ☺️" - Jessica

Get Recipe

"This was so simple and delicious!! Worked late and still quickly put together a great meal." - Dana

Get Recipe

"So good! Not only was this incredibly easy to make, the flavor was perfect. I will definitely make this again and again!" - Mandy

Get Recipe
@mad_about_food
Back to Top

Courses

Dinners

Breakfasts

Desserts

Dips & Sauces

Popular

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Meal Prep

Chicken Recipes

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 Mad About Food
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled