Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (2024)

Home » Eggless Recipes » Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

By: Oriana Romero/Published: /48 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy

Share this recipe >>

There is nothing ho-hum about these Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders! This chicken has the same crispy, golden texture as the fried version. Plus, no greasy mess to clean up.

Jump to Recipe

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (4)

Table of Contents hide

1.Why I Love This Recipe

2.Ingredients You’ll Need

3.Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial

4.Frequently Asked Questions

5.Quick Recipe Tips

7.More Recipes You’ll Love

8.Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

Why I Love This Recipe

These Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders look amazing, tastes just like deep-fried fried chicken, and always cure my cravings. Plus, this recipe is straightforward to make.

Looking at these photos, you’ll swear this oven-fried chicken, lower in calories and fat but still crunchy and delicious, was made in the frying pan. Nope! They’re completely baked from start to finish. There’s absolutely no searing or frying here.

The chicken has the same crispy, golden texture as the real deal.

The chicken is soaked in buttermilk, which keeps it moist and juicy, and then rolled into a crunchy and tasty coating. Even though they are made with chicken breast, they are incredibly juicy and tender.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (5)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Amounts are included in the printable recipe below (scroll down).You’ll need:

  • Chicken breast: I use boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
  • Buttermilk: don’t have any? Here’s how to make your own buttermilk.
  • Cornflakes
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs: you can buy seasoned breadcrumbs or add your own seasoning of choice to plain breadcrumbs.
  • Seasoning: I use garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and ground cayenne pepper.

Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial

Detailed instructions are included in the printable recipe below (scroll down).

1 – Prepare The Chicken

Use a sharp knife to trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut it into tenders. Dip the chicken into buttermilk and let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (6)

2 – Make the Breading

Place corn flakes, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a small food processor. Pulse until well combined.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (7)

3 – Bread the Chicken

Place breadcrumbs mixture in a shallow pan. Then dip each chicken piece into the breading mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks to the chicken.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (8)

4 – Bake the Chicken

Preheat oven to 450º F. Place the chicken on a lightly oiled pan; spray the top of the chicken well with cooking spray. Bake the chicken until done, about 30 minutes.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (9)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

You can use whatever cut of chicken you prefer. Just keep in mind that dark meat has more calories than white meat.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

You can make this healthier fried chicken in the air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so they’re crispy on both sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

How do I reheat oven-fried chicken?

To keep the chicken crispy, reheat the chicken tenderloins in a 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (10)

Quick Recipe Tips

  • The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chickenpieces. So make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before you serve. The best way is to use a meat thermometer (170°F for breasts; 180°F for thighs and legs).
  • Don’t have regular breadcrumbs? Try panko breadcrumbs.
  • This baked crispy chicken is best enjoyed right away as it loses its crispness over time.
  • Leave space between the chicken breasts when placing it on the sheet pan. This way, the heat can reach all sides of the chicken to help it get extra crispy.

Storing & Freezing Instructions

If you have extra healthier oven-fried chicken, here’s how to store it.

Leftovers

Thesecrispy chicken tenderloins can be refrigerated for 3 days. Be sure to wrap it up tightly or store it in an airtight container.

Freeze

This eggless oven-fried chicken tender can also be frozen.

  • Baked Chicken Tenders: Let the chicken cool completely and then place them in a freezer plastic bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Unbaked Chicken Tenders: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, 1 to 2 hours. Then, transfer to resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat the frozen tender, generously spray the frozen chicken tenders all over with cooking spray. Arrange on the baking rack and bake, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and cooked through.
Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (11)

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Instant Pot Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
  • Eggless Homemade Fish Sticks
  • Easy Eggless Meatloaf
  • Easy Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
  • Eggless Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  • Browse more recipes…

❤️ Love what you see? JOIN my Private Baking Club. Also, SUBSCRIBE to Mommy’s Home Cooking, so you’ll never miss a recipe! And FOLLOW along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more fun!

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (12)

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

There is nothing ho-hum about these Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders! The chicken has the same crispy, golden texture as the fried version. Plus, no greasy mess to clean up.

4.35 from 111 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, boneless and skinless (about 2 -3 medium-size chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (80 g) cornflakes
  • 1 cup (100 g) seasoned bread crumbs or panko (see notes)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  • Use a sharp knife to trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut it into tenders.

  • Dip the chicken into buttermilk and let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

  • Place corn flakes, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a small food processor. Pulse until well combined.

OVEN:

  • Preheat oven to 450º F (230º C).

  • Place breadcrumbs mixture in a shallow pan. Then dip each chicken piece into the breading mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks to the chicken.

  • Place the chicken on a lightly oiled sheet pan; spray the top of the chicken well with olive oil spray.

  • Bake the chicken until done, about 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so they're crispy on both sides. NOTE: The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of yourchickenpieces. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken will be done when it reaches 175º F. So make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before you serve.

AIR FRYER:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200º C).

  • Place the chicken in the basket, DO NOT crowd or overlap. You might need to do this in batches depending on the air fryer's capacity.

  • Cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so they're crispy on both sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Oriana’s Notes

Store: Thesechicken tenders can be refrigerated for 3 days.

Freeze:This eggless oven-fried chicken tender can also be frozen.

  • Baked Chicken Tenders: Let the chicken cool completely and then place them in a freezer plastic bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Unbaked Chicken Tenders: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, 1 to 2 hours. Then, transfer to resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat the frozen tender, generously spray the frozen chicken tenders all over with cooking spray. Arrange on the baking rack and bake, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and cooked through.

Reheat: reheat the baked chicken tenders in a 350ºF (180º C)oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Bread Crumbs Vs Panko: to make this recipe you can use either. I prefer to use Panko because it adds extra crispiness to the chicken tenders.

Quick Tips:

  • The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chickenpieces. So make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before you serve. The best way is to use a meat thermometer (170°F for breasts; 180°F for thighs and legs).
  • Don’t have regular breadcrumbs? Try panko breadcrumbs.
  • This baked crispy chicken is best enjoyed right away as it loses its crispness over time.
  • Leave space between the chicken breasts when placing it on the sheet pan. This way, the heat can reach all sides of the chicken to help it get extra crispy.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 31gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 648mgSugar: 5g

Rate This Recipe

Did you make this recipe? I want to see your yummy photos!Tag @mommyshomecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #mommyshomecooking or Join my Private Facebook Group

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Calories 303

Keyword chicken easy eggfree Eggless fried healthy oven

Eggless Baking Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve asked, and I’ve answered! Read on for a handful of answers to the most frequently asked questions abouteggless baking.

FAQs

Originally posted in April 2016, photos were replaced in December 2019, and post content was edited to add more helpful information, no change to the recipe. The post was updated again in September 2021.

Welcome to my eggless kitchen!

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (13)Thanks for stopping by! I’m Oriana, a wife, mom to three wonderful kids, and a passionate baker and cooker of all eggless things delicious. My goal is to give you the confidence and knowledge to cook and bake without eggs while providing quality recipes that your whole family will love. I’m really happy that you’re here, so take a seat and have fun exploring! Read More…

Eggless Oven Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you get breading to stick to chicken without eggs? ›

Editor: One option is just dipping the fish or chicken breast in melted butter before rolling it in the spices or coating, like we did in this Blackened Chicken recipe. You could also try milk or yogurt. For heavier coatings (like panko or breadcrumbs), you might dust the fish with flour first.

What to use if you don't have eggs for fried chicken? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: We recommend using heavy cream when breading foods if you cannot use eggs. CREAM IS BEST: If you can't use eggs, use heavy cream to hold breading in place.

Can I use milk instead of egg for breadcrumbs? ›

Breadcrumb Coating – Egg Substitutes

If there are no eggs in the house, or if you simply don't want to use eggs, there are a number of possible alternatives. Milk, cream, yoghurt or condensed milk can all be used instead. You can also try making a thin paste with flour, salt, pepper and water.

What is the secret to tender chicken? ›

The best tenderizer though, is a salted yogurt marinade. The salt has the same effect as in a regular brine, but the lactic acid in the yogurt further tenderizes the meat. A 15-minute marinade with one cup of yogurt and one teaspoon of salt makes for the most tender chicken breasts imaginable.

What can I use as a binder instead of eggs for breading chicken? ›

The typical three-step process is flour, eggs and then breadcrumbs. Instead of the egg, Moskowitz recommends a mix of cornstarch and water, which, when stirred together, forms a slurry. It, too, is an effective glue, and you may even notice more crispness to, say, your chicken parm.

How to batter without eggs? ›

How do you make batter without eggs? The best egg substitute for frying is a flour and water slurry. Mix equal parts flour and water or a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. For a lighter consistency, opt for a 2:1 ratio of water to flour.

What can you use as a binder for chicken without eggs? ›

In the small bowl, pour the milk over the tenders. Use milk as a binding agent so bread sticks. Add the tenders to the bowl of breadcrumbs, one or just a couple at a time, and pat to coat thoroughly. Shake of the extra crumbs from each piece of chicken before placing carefully into the pan.

Can I use mayo instead of eggs for breading? ›

There are more than a few reasons why mayo makes sense as a substitute for egg wash. Since they both share the same main ingredient (eggs), they function in very similar ways. Much like egg wash acts as a binding agent to help seasonings and breadcrumbs stick to meat, creamy mayonnaise also manages to do the same.

What is a good binder for fried chicken? ›

Do you do egg or flour first for fried chicken? No eggs are used in this recipe, because it's not needed. Instead I use a mild hot sauce as a binder, and it works wonderfully! If you're not a fan of using hot sauce you can indeed use two lightly beaten eggs as a binder.

What is a good egg substitute for chicken tenders? ›

What can I use as a substitute for eggs when frying chicken? There are several options you can use as an egg substitute when frying chicken. Some popular alternatives include buttermilk, yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, or even a simple flour-water mixture.

Can you coat chicken in milk instead of egg? ›

As long as you coat the cutlets in a layer of flour first, you can substitute milk in place of eggs for the next layer. The combination of flour and milk will create a sticky coating that breadcrumbs can adhere to. Can you use panko instead of breadcrumbs?

How do Chinese make chicken so tender? ›

Chinese stir-fried chicken is extra tender due to the velveting technique. Chicken is sliced into thin, even-sized pieces and then marinated briefly in a mix of baking soda, cornstarch, wine, and seasoning. This seals in moisture and tenderizes the chicken.

What liquid tenderizes chicken? ›

We recommend marinating your chicken in buttermilk or yogurt overnight, but if it's urgent, then an hour will do. However, the texture of the chicken won't be as even as chicken marinated overnight. The process is simple: you only have to immerse the chicken in a container with enough yogurt or buttermilk and seal it.

Why are my homemade chicken tenders tough? ›

Overcooking chicken and buying woody chicken breast are two of the main causes behind rubbery chicken. You can stop this from happening by: buying “slow-growing” chicken. cooking your chicken in moisture.

What can I use instead of egg wash for breading? ›

Other plant-based substitutes for egg wash include maple syrup, flaxseed, nondairy milks like rice milk and almond milk, molasses, aquafaba and various blends with olive oil or vegetable oil.

How do you keep breading from falling off fried chicken? ›

Place the breaded chicken on a cooling rack (or a platter) and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after the chicken cooks. Once you start cooking the chicken, be patient and don't flip it over too early.

What can I use to make breading stick? ›

But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken. This creates a final result that is crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and altogether irresistible.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5936

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.