If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you try these tenders paired with that creamy, garlicky yogurt dip, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for boring chicken fingers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without the mess: Baking instead of frying keeps things tidy and healthier but with all the crunch.
- Flavor-packed coating: The combo of panko, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning takes these tenders to the next level.
- Garlic yogurt sauce: Roasting the garlic mellows its bite, and the yogurt adds a cool, tangy balance.
- Kid and adult-friendly: My whole family digs this one — that’s a real win in my book.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe really lies in the ingredients working together perfectly—the crunchy coating hugs tender chicken strips, while that garlicky yogurt sauce cools and complements every bite. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find, and a few simple tweaks can make this recipe feel entirely your own.
- Chicken tenders: Naturally tender and quick-cooking, perfect for an even bake.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken for that first layer of crispiness.
- Eggs: Act as the glue between flour and breadcrumb layers so nothing falls off.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give that light and airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds an umami kick and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Build a savory background to the crunchy crust.
- Chicken bouillon: A nifty secret that amps up the meaty flavor without extra salt.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fresh herbaceous touch that brightens every bite.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings for depth and balance.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the breading crisp—spritzing lightly is key.
- Garlic head: Roasted to mellow sweetness—absolute game-changer in the yogurt sauce.
- Olive oil (for garlic): Helps roast the garlic cloves to golden, buttery perfection.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Thick, creamy, and tangy—the perfect base for the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness.
Make It Your Way
I love how adaptable this Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is. You can easily swap in your favorite spices or switch up the sauces to suit your mood. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, so don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Variation: I sometimes add smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix when I’m craving a bit of a kick—it’s fantastic if you like a little heat!
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour and panko for almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and this stays just as tasty.
- Vegan twist: Use plant-based chicken strips and an egg substitute like aquafaba to keep it crispy.
- Dipping sauce swaps: While the garlic yogurt sauce is a winner, honey mustard or chipotle mayo also pair beautifully if you prefer something different.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Garlic
First things first: preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature helps get the coating wonderfully golden and crisp. Next, slice the top off your garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and pop it in the oven. Roasting the garlic takes around 30 minutes and transforms it into soft, sweet cloves that are perfect for mixing into your yogurt sauce. While it’s roasting, you can get busy with the chicken prep—no downtime here!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
I like to line up three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with the breadcrumb mixture. For this recipe, the breadcrumbs get an upgrade with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper all stirred together. Mixing these spices evenly ensures every bite has that perfect burst of flavor.
Step 3: Coat Those Chicken Tenders
Pat your chicken tenders dry using a paper towel—this step is crucial because excess moisture can keep the coating from sticking well. Dredge each tender into the flour, shaking off any surplus, then dip it into the egg mixture ensuring it’s fully covered, and lastly press it into your breadcrumb blend. Gently press the crumbs to help everything cling just right and place the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake and Flip
Before sliding your tray into the oven, give the chicken tenders a light spray with olive oil spray—it helps that coating brown beautifully. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides crisp up evenly. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden color and an internal temp of 165°F (meat thermometer is your best friend here).
Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
By now, your garlic should be soft and fragrant. Carefully squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and mash them into the Greek yogurt. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is cool, creamy, and the perfect garlicky partner to your tenders—trust me, it’s addictive.
Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Moisture can spoil the crisp; drying tenders before breading is a game-changer for getting that signature crunch.
- Don’t Skip Flipping: Flipping the tenders halfway ensures even browning on both sides—something I overlooked once and regretted!
- Roast Garlic Ahead of Time: Roasting the garlic early helps it mellow into sweet creaminess—don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait.
- Use a Thermometer: Checking the internal temp to 165°F means perfectly cooked chicken every time—no guessing, no risk of dryness.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tenders and sauce—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbiness that brightens the plate and your palate. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon zest on top of the garlic yogurt sauce amps up the citrus notes and looks so inviting.
Side Dishes
What pairs best? I love serving these with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for a healthy balance. Sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw add the perfect texture contrast and keep things fun and casual.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange the tenders on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of the garlic yogurt dip and other sauces like honey mustard or sriracha mayo. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a finger-food feast that’s easy on your guests and you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I pop leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to avoid sogginess. Reheating in the air fryer revives that crispy crust better than the microwave ever could.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, place tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you want a quick snack or meal, pop them straight into the air fryer or oven—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To keep the crispy texture when reheating, I recommend the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F. If you don’t have one, use the oven on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper breading adhesion. If you only have frozen, fully thaw them in the fridge overnight and pat dry before breading.
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What can I substitute for chicken bouillon in the breading?
If you don’t have chicken bouillon on hand, a pinch of kosher salt combined with a bit of garlic powder and onion powder can mimic its flavor. The key is layering those savory notes to keep the coating flavorful.
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Is the garlic yogurt sauce spicy?
Nope! Roasting the garlic takes away the harsh raw bite and makes it mellow and sweet, so the sauce ends up creamy, tangy, and gentle on the palate.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether, and use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based Greek-style yogurt for the sauce. Just remember it might change the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe has become my go-to for so many reasons: minimal cleanup, bold flavors, and that unbeatable crispiness. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting and fancy all at once—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something to wow your family or friends. I can’t wait for you to make these and add your own twist—you’ll see just how easily this recipe becomes a beloved staple at your table.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders recipe offers a crispy, golden exterior with a juicy interior, baked to perfection and served with a flavorful roasted garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for a healthy twist on a classic favorite, these chicken tenders are easy to make and ideal for a quick dinner or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Strips
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- olive oil spray
Roasted Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roast garlic: Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes while preparing the chicken. This softens the garlic and enhances its flavor.
- Create breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture until combined.
- Coat chicken strips: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Coat each strip first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake chicken: Lightly spray the coated chicken strips with olive oil spray. Bake for 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prepare garlic yogurt sauce: Once the garlic is roasted and cooled, squeeze the softened cloves out and mix into the Greek yogurt. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this sauce alongside the baked chicken tenders.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer to restore crispiness instead of using a microwave.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
