18 Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipes No Breading Delicious

Who says you need breading to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken tenders? Dive into our roundup of 18 Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipes No Breading Delicious, where we prove that less is more. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, these recipes are all about flavor without the fuss. Get ready to transform your chicken game—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners—juicy, flavorful, and no breading required!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan mixture.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are golden.
  6. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh parsley before serving.

The magic here is in the crispy, cheesy edges that form as the tenders bake—no breading needed for that perfect crunch. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping, and watch them disappear!

Tip: For an extra flavor boost, let the chicken marinate in the garlic Parmesan mixture for 30 minutes before baking.

Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breading wonder, packing a punch of flavor without the extra calories. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day snack!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken tenders, tossing to ensure each piece is well coated.
  5. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

The magic of these tenders lies in their smoky, spicy crust that forms naturally in the oven, no breading required. They’re irresistibly juicy inside with just the right kick!

Tip: For an extra crispy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-fuss, flavorful weeknight dinner that skips the breading but not the taste.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade.
  4. Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

The bright lemon and aromatic herbs create a light yet deeply flavorful coating that makes these tenders irresistibly juicy and tender.

Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with additional lemon zest and chopped parsley before serving.

Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners—juicy, flavorful, and no breading means less mess and more goodness.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly in the honey mustard mixture.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are caramelized.

The magic here is in the caramelization—those sticky, golden edges are packed with sweet and tangy flavor, making these tenders irresistibly good.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard mixture.

BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breadcrumb-needed wonder, offering all the smoky sweetness you crave with a fraction of the fuss.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove from the oven, brush each tender with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky.

The magic here is in the double-hit of smokiness—from the paprika and the BBQ sauce—creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Tip: For an extra charred effect, broil the tenders for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Asian Glazed Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Asian Glazed Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Asian Glazed Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breading, fuss-free delight that pack a punch of flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
  3. Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with the glaze.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  5. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

The magic of this recipe lies in the glaze’s perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, clinging to every inch of the tender chicken without any breading.

Tip: For an extra glossy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Italian Seasoned Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Italian Seasoned Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Italian Seasoned Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breadcrumb twist on a classic, packed with herby flavors and perfectly juicy inside.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken tenders, tossing to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and crispy.

The Parmesan forms a crispy, cheesy crust that locks in the chicken’s juices, making these tenders irresistibly tender and flavorful without any breading.

Tip: For an extra kick, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors without the hassle of breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides generously with the maple Dijon mixture.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly caramelized.

The magic of this recipe lies in the caramelized glaze that forms as the maple syrup reduces, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that’s irresistibly good.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze mixture before brushing it onto the chicken.

Smoky Paprika Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Smoky Paprika Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Smoky Paprika Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering all the flavor without the fuss of breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each tender and bake for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred at the edges.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Brush this glaze over the baked tenders before serving.

The smoky paprika and sweet-tangy glaze create a depth of flavor that’s irresistibly good, proving that breading isn’t necessary for crispy, flavorful chicken.

Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, try using a smoked sea salt in place of regular salt.

Herb Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Herb Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Herb Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering all the crunch without the breading, and packed with herbaceous flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
  3. Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides generously with the herb mixture.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

The magic of this recipe lies in the herb crust that forms a flavorful, crispy layer around the tender chicken, proving you don’t need breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.

Tip: For an extra crispy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Sweet Chili Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Sweet Chili Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Sweet Chili Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners—no breading, no fuss, just juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

The magic of this recipe lies in the glaze—it transforms simple chicken tenders into a dish that’s irresistibly glossy and packed with flavor. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and spicy without the heaviness of breading.

Tip: For an extra kick, drizzle with a bit more sweet chili sauce right before serving.

Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breadcrumb twist on the classic, offering all the fiery flavor without the fuss of breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly crispy.

The honey in the sauce caramelizes in the oven, giving these tenders a sticky-sweet heat that’s irresistible. Perfect for when you’re craving Buffalo wings but want something a little lighter.

Tip: For extra crispy tenders, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Teriyaki Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Teriyaki Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Teriyaki Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-fuss, flavorful twist on a classic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the teriyaki marinade.
  3. Place the chicken tenders in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, reserving the leftover marinade.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
  6. While the chicken bakes, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened to use as a glaze.
  7. Brush the baked chicken tenders with the thickened glaze, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

The magic of this recipe lies in the double hit of teriyaki flavor—marinating the chicken infuses it deeply, while the reduced glaze adds a glossy, sticky finish that’s irresistible.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Ranch Flavored Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Ranch Flavored Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Ranch Flavored Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breadcrumb twist on a classic, packing all the flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the ranch mixture.
  4. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

The magic here? The ranch seasoning creates a savory crust that’s irresistibly crispy, no breading required.

Tip: For an extra kick, sprinkle a little extra ranch seasoning on top before baking.

Curry Spiced Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Curry Spiced Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Curry Spiced Baked Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a bold flavor without the fuss of breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
  4. Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then flip the tenders.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Brush this mixture over the tenders.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.

The honey and lemon glaze adds a subtle sweetness and tang that perfectly balances the smoky curry spices, making these tenders irresistibly flavorful.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

Rosemary Garlic Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Rosemary Garlic Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Rosemary Garlic Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-breadcrumb twist on a classic, packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade.
  4. Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

The combination of fresh rosemary and garlic creates a fragrant, savory crust that’s irresistible without any breading. It’s a lighter take that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Tip: For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for an hour before baking.

Thyme and Lemon Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Thyme and Lemon Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Thyme and Lemon Baked Chicken Tenders are a no-fuss, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a bright and herby twist without the need for breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade.
  4. Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.

The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic thyme creates a light yet deeply flavorful coating that makes these tenders irresistibly juicy and tender.

Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with additional thyme leaves and lemon slices before serving.

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading

These Coconut Lime Baked Chicken Tenders are a tropical twist on a classic, offering a juicy, flavorful bite without the need for breading.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • 1 lime, zested

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the sheet, leaving space between each.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tbsp shredded coconut and the zest of 1 lime evenly over the chicken tenders.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coconut is lightly toasted.

The combination of coconut and lime creates a bright, tropical flavor that makes these tenders stand out, while the lack of breading keeps them light and guilt-free.

Tip: For an extra burst of lime flavor, serve with additional lime wedges on the side.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these 18 no-breading, crispy baked chicken tender recipes as much as we did! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, they’re sure to become family favorites. Don’t forget to try them out, share your top picks in the comments, and pin your favorites on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

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