Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders bring a beloved classic comfort food dinner right back to your kitchen. Forget the store-bought box mix; with our easy recipe for a DIY Shake ‘n Bake coating, you can quickly whip up a batch of incredibly crispy, baked panko chicken tenders tonight. This homemade version promises superior flavor and texture, all while being ready to serve in under 30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy crust that will have everyone asking for seconds!
For an even faster cooking method and an extra crisp finish, you can prepare these delicious homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders in an air fryer. We provide detailed instructions for both oven and air fryer methods below, ensuring you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferences.
Craving tender chicken without the breading? You’ll love our recipe for perfectly baked chicken strips in the oven, offering a lighter alternative that’s equally flavorful.
Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders Video Tutorial
Watch our step-by-step video tutorial to see how easy it is to prepare these irresistible homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders from start to finish. Perfect for visual learners!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Shake ‘n Bake Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with making your own homemade crispy chicken tenders, especially when compared to relying on store-bought mixes. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Unmatched Flavor and Freshness from Scratch: By creating your own seasoning blend, you gain complete control over the quality and freshness of ingredients. This means a breading mix free from artificial flavors or preservatives, resulting in chicken tenders that are far more vibrant and wholesome. The carefully selected spices meld together to create a flavor profile that’s both familiar and wonderfully enhanced, without needing any messy frying.
- A Universal Crowd-Pleaser: From the youngest eaters to the most seasoned foodies, everyone adores crispy, juicy chicken tenders. This recipe consistently delivers that satisfying crunch and tender interior that makes them irresistible. They’re fantastic on their own, but even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer.
- Incredibly Versatile – Perfect for Any Occasion: This recipe is remarkably adaptable. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, a kid-friendly dinner, or a game-day snack, these tenders fit the bill. Their ease of preparation also makes them ideal for meal prep, allowing you to have a healthy and delicious protein ready to go.
- Effortless Preparation, Even with Frozen Chicken: Life gets busy, and sometimes thawing chicken is simply forgotten. Don’t fret! While fresh chicken tenderloins are recommended for the absolute best breading adherence, we understand that convenience matters. For those moments when you’re starting with frozen chicken, we’ve included a handy tip for thawing poultry pieces directly in the air fryer, saving you time and hassle without sacrificing quality.
Watch Our Video for Step-by-Step Guidance!
For a comprehensive visual guide on breading and baking these tenders from start to finish, be sure to check out the video tutorial provided earlier in this article!
Creating this homemade Shake and Bake chicken mix is surprisingly simple and just as convenient as using a pre-packaged version. You’ll combine a few pantry staples to make a flavorful coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken. Once coated, these tenders can be baked in the oven or air-fried to golden perfection, offering a delicious, juicy meal that the entire family will adore. This recipe is a fantastic alternative to classic Bisquick oven-fried chicken, delivering exceptional crispiness without the need for deep-frying.
Explore more of our effortless poultry recipes, including spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta, and the fresh flavors of a Caprese Chicken Skillet.
Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders begins with a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution notes:
- Boneless Chicken Tenderloins: These lean cuts are ideal for quick cooking and consistent tenderness. For this breaded recipe, we highly recommend using fresh chicken tenderloins. The natural moisture released during thawing of frozen chicken can prevent the breading from adhering properly, leading to a less crispy result. If you only have frozen tenders on hand, consider using them for no-breading options like Instant Pot chicken tenders or a flavorful blackened chicken recipe.
- Melted Butter or Olive Oil: This is crucial for creating the perfect surface for the breading to stick. Brushing the raw tenderloins with melted butter or olive oil ensures that the homemade Shake and Bake mixture adheres evenly and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispness during baking. Olive oil is a great alternative if you need a dairy-free option or prefer its distinct flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For the ultimate crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are essential. Their larger, flakier structure creates a lighter and crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. While regular breadcrumbs can be used in a pinch, expect a slightly less crispy finish. Panko truly delivers that satisfying crunch reminiscent of fried chicken, but without the oil!
- Homemade Seasoning Blend: Our simple yet incredibly flavorful blend transforms ordinary chicken into something special.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory depth and aromatic sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in any good seasoning blend, offering a pungent, savory kick that enhances all the other flavors.
- Paprika: Contributes a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, peppery flavor. Smoked paprika can be used for an extra layer of smoky richness.
- Fine Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken from within and bringing out all the flavors of the breading.
- Ground Black Pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and a classic seasoning element.
Always remember, regardless of your cooking method, use an instant-read cooking thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. This guarantees juicy, safe, and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
🎯 Pro Tip for Meal Prep!
Did you know you can easily prepare your own chicken tenders from larger chicken breasts? This can be a great way to save money and ensure uniform sizing. Check out our detailed guide on how to cut a chicken breast into strips for expert tips!
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Tenders
Achieving restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:
- Proper Preparation is Key: Trim, Pat Dry, and Apply Oil.
Begin by using a sharp knife to remove any visible excess fat or connective tissue from your chicken tenderloins. This ensures a cleaner bite and better texture. Next, pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is crucial for the breading to stick well and crisp up beautifully. Finally, use a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of melted butter or olive oil over each tenderloin. This creates the tacky surface needed for the breading to adhere and contributes to a golden, crispy crust.
- Choose Your Breading Method: Bag, Tray, or Plate for Easy Cleanup.
For mess-free coating, you have a few excellent options. Combine your panko breadcrumbs and seasoning blend in a large zip-top food storage bag, a dedicated dipping tray, or simply on a wide, shallow plate. Each method is effective, so choose the one that works best for your kitchen setup and minimizes cleanup.
- Coat Evenly Without Overcrowding.
When coating your chicken, whether shaking in a bag or pressing on a plate, avoid overloading. If using the shake method, place no more than 3-4 chicken strips in the bag at a time. This ensures that each tenderloin gets fully and evenly covered with the delicious homemade breading. For a breading tray or plate, spread the mix into an even layer, then gently press each tenderloin into the mixture, turning to coat all sides, helping the mixture adhere firmly.
How To Make Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken in the Oven
Baking homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders in the oven is a classic method that yields consistently crispy and juicy results. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly spray a shallow casserole dish or a large baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps ensure the bottom of the tenders get equally crispy. For easier cleanup, you can line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange for Optimal Crispness: Carefully place the panko-breaded chicken tenderloins onto the prepared baking pan. It’s crucial to leave adequate space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming, which prevents the tenders from achieving that desirable crispy exterior. Proper air circulation around each piece is key to a golden-brown, crunchy crust.
Add a Side of Veggies: For a convenient one-pan meal, you can add quick-cooking vegetables alongside your chicken. Consider tossing fresh or frozen green beans, asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers, or broccoli florets directly onto the baking sheet. Avoid denser vegetables like potatoes, as they typically require a longer cooking time and may not soften adequately in the same timeframe as the chicken.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken and vegetables (if using) at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15 to 17 minutes. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chicken and your oven. The most important step is to use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in its thickest part before removing it from the oven. This guarantees safe consumption and perfectly juicy chicken.
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken in Air Fryer
The air fryer is a game-changer for achieving incredibly crispy chicken tenders with minimal oil and in even less time. Here’s how to adapt this recipe for your air fryer:
- Preheat and Prepare the Basket: If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use an air fryer paper liner to prevent the tenderloins from sticking. This also helps achieve an even crisp on all sides.
Air Fry for Crispiness: Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in soggy chicken. You may need to cook the tenders in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.
Check for Doneness: Just like with oven baking, verify the chicken’s doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach a safe 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauce Ideas
Homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes and dipping sauces. Elevate your meal with these delicious ideas:
- Classic Side Dishes:
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and flavorful accompaniment, serve your tenders with griddle-roasted mixed vegetables. A simple medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions can be roasted alongside the chicken or prepared separately for added convenience.
- Fresh Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich chicken. Our Cowboy Salad recipe, packed with vibrant ingredients, makes an excellent choice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair your crispy tenders with a creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A timeless combination that kids and adults alike adore. You can even air fry them for extra crispness!
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.
- Irresistible Dipping Sauces: The right dipping sauce can take your chicken tenders from great to extraordinary. Here are some popular and delicious options:
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy, herby classic that’s always a hit.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Our easy no-cook BBQ sauce is quick to prepare and bursting with tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
- Asian Dipping Sauce: For a sweet and savory kick, try our vibrant Mango Sweet Chili Sauce or a simple soy-ginger blend.
- Marinara Sauce: A warm, savory quick marinara sauce offers a delightful Italian twist.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet with a gentle tang, our hot sweet honey mustard adds a delicious zing. For a milder version, simply omit the spicy elements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Tenders
When baking at 375ºF (190°C), chicken tenders typically require 15 to 17 minutes. It’s crucial to confirm they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (74°C) in the center using an instant-read thermometer before removing them from the oven to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
While technically possible, we generally do not recommend using frozen chicken for this breaded recipe. As the tenderloins thaw during baking, the released moisture can cause the panko breading to become soggy and potentially fall off, leading to a less crispy and appealing result. For best results, thaw your chicken tenderloins completely before breading.
The primary secret to achieving exceptionally crispy chicken tenders in the oven is using panko breadcrumbs. Panko has a larger, flakier, and more porous structure compared to traditional breadcrumbs, which allows them to absorb less oil and become incredibly light and crunchy when baked. Additionally, ensuring the chicken is patted dry, using a little oil on the surface, and not overcrowding the baking sheet contribute significantly to crispiness.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, we recommend using an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with a high-quality gluten-free panko alternative. Ensure all your seasoning ingredients are also certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
More Effortless Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these homemade chicken tenders, be sure to check out these other easy and delicious dinner ideas:
- Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Dinners for a complete meal baked on one pan.
- Pork Street Taco Recipe for a fun and flavorful weeknight twist.
- Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots, a hearty and comforting family favorite.
If you tried this homemade shake and bake chicken tenders recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting!
Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders
By Renae Gerhardstein
Rating: 4.99 from 50 votes
Learn how to bake juicy, extra crispy, panko breaded homemade Shake and Bake chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer in just 25 minutes without a store-bought mix! This recipe is a healthier and tastier alternative to traditional fried chicken, perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 177 kcal
Equipment
- Baking Sheet (if oven baking)
- Basting brush
- Ziplock bag (or shallow plate/dipping tray)
- Air fryer (if air frying)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (fresh is recommended; see notes for frozen)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Tenderloins
- Place the chicken tenderloins on a plate or a sheet of wax paper. Brush them all over with the melted butter or olive oil, ensuring an even coating.
- In a ziplock bag, dipping tray, or on a wide plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir or shake to thoroughly mix the homemade seasoning blend.
- Add about 3-4 chicken strips to the bag (or dip them individually on a plate) and shake gently or press to coat each tenderloin evenly with the breading mixture. Repeat with remaining chicken until all pieces are coated.
Baking Instructions (Oven Method)
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). Lightly spray a shallow casserole dish or baking sheet with cooking oil.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenderloins on the prepared pan, leaving space between each piece for optimal air circulation and crisping. If desired, you can add fresh or frozen quick-cooking vegetables like green beans, asparagus, sliced bell pepper, or broccoli to the pan.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF (74°C) in the center of the thickest part of the chicken using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Air Fryer Instructions (Alternative Method)
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175°C) if your model requires it. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use an air fryer liner.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking. Continue until they are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74°C).
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with your preferred dipping sauces.
Notes
- Frozen Chicken: For the best results and crispest breading, it’s recommended to thaw frozen chicken tenderloins completely before coating and baking. If you must use frozen chicken without thawing, add an additional 3 minutes to the baking time, and closely monitor the internal temperature.
- Cutting Chicken Breasts: Want to make your own tenders? Check out our How to Cut a Chicken Breast (4 Ways!) tutorial.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
*Nutritional facts provided are based on using olive oil for preparation.*
Nutrition
Serving: 4 ounces | Calories: 177 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg