Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders
Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.
This healthy chicken tenders recipe is crispy, flavorful, and takes just minutes to prep. This recipe is customizable, making them a fun recipe for kids to help with!
Try these crispy, homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders—a healthier, customizable alternative to takeout that's perfect for busy families!
Total prep time: 5–10 minutes
Total cook time: 15 minutes
Family-friendly: Absolutely
Difficulty level: Easy
Serving size: 3–5
Serving suggestions: Serve these crispy tenders with a side of roasted asparagus, mashed sweet potatoes, a refreshing coleslaw, or even some garlic bread for the perfect meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I've had my fair share of terrible chicken recipes and it pushed me away from making chicken for quite some time. If you've had a similar experience, you will want to try this recipe. I have made it several times and it's come out perfect every time. This recipe is simple, delicious for the whole family, and the total prep and cook time is less than 30 minutes.
✓ Have sports during the week? Make this recipe!
✓ Have kids in school? Make this recipe!
✓ Work full-time and need a break? Make this recipe!
Why Make Homemade Chicken Tenders Instead of Eating Take-Out
Store-bought tenders can be loaded with preservatives and unhealthy ingredients. This Shake and Bake recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients, giving you all the crispy, flavorful goodness without the extra calories! Using olive oil is heart-healthy compared to vegetable oil or fried chicken.
How to Customize Your Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders
These tenders are juicy and really flavorful and I usually dip my tenders in *sugar-free BBQ sauce. I also added a side of frozen chive potatoes that I dipped in ketchup. Other side suggestions include asparagus, green beans, or garlic bread.
Want a spicier version? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
No chicken? Try this recipe with pork chops or tofu.
Looking to make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the regular ones. You can also swap the ranch seasoning for a dairy-free option if you prefer.
Why Shake and Bake over fried? It gives you that crispy, golden crunch without all the oil, making it a healthier option. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—no greasy mess like traditional frying!
Where This Recipe Came From
Recipe inspiration: Everyday Cheapskate
We made this recipe our own by replacing vegetable oil with olive oil, eliminating salt (we are trying to reduce our sodium intake so I never add salt in recipes), halving the breadcrumbs, using celery seed instead of celery salt, eliminating garlic salt, using onion powder instead of granulated dry onion, replacing basil leaves with dried basil, and eliminating parsley. I also added a ranch seasoning for a more sour and tangy taste.
More Crispy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken and Waffles
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
What to Gather: Ingredients For Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders
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- *2 cups Italian breadcrumbs (gluten-free option: *Premium Gluten Free Plain Bread Crumbs)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for mixing with the seasonings)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- *1 tbsp celery seed
- *1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or tenders
Ready To Cook? Step-by-Step Directions for Shake and Bake Chicken
✓ Step #1: Preheat your oven – Set your oven to 400°F so it’s ready by the time you’re done prepping.
✓ Step #2: Mix the seasonings – Add all seasonings and olive oil to a large Ziploc bag or container.
✓ Step #3: Shake the chicken – Add chicken breast strips to the bag and shake well until evenly coated.
Note: For extra crispy tenders, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each piece of chicken before baking. This helps the coating stick better and creates a crunchier texture.
✓ Step #4: Add to baking pan – Spray a baking pan with PAM or cooking spray, then add the coated chicken.
✓ Step #5: Bake and flip – Bake for 7–8 minutes. Flip each tender, then bake for an additional 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Note: For perfectly cooked tenders, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. This keeps the chicken juicy while ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Best Way to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in a Ziploc bag or an airtight plastic container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until warm.
If you want to meal prep, freeze the tenders after cooking. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
What Did You Think?
What’s your favorite way to enjoy this healthy chicken tenders recipe? Do you like to experiment with different seasonings or sides? Share your version and tag me on Instagram with #savvywithabbie — I love seeing your creations!
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