Sheet-Pan

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Name: Spicy Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 tsp (1g) cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Juno Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Sheet-Pan

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Spicy Chicken Tenders for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something easy and flavorful to make for dinner. I had all the ingredients on hand, and the recipe came together in no time. The result was a dish that was not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep and reheating.

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing their flavor or texture. Spicy Chicken Tenders fit the bill perfectly. You can make them on a Sunday evening and enjoy them throughout the week, whether you're packing them in lunches or serving them for dinner.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the chicken tenders with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. You can also customize the level of heat to your liking, adding more or less of the spicy seasonings as desired.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Spicy Chicken Tenders from scratch. We'll cover everything from preparing the ingredients to cooking the chicken and serving it with your favorite sides. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So let's get started and make some delicious Spicy Chicken Tenders! With this recipe, you'll be able to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The Spicy Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep and can be reheated throughout the week.
The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.
You can customize the level of heat to your liking, making it suitable for everyone.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses common ingredients that are easily available.
The Spicy Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Spicy Chicken Tenders is to cook the chicken to the right temperature. In this recipe, we're aiming for an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), which ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Another important factor is the breading on the chicken. We're using a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior that complements the tender interior of the chicken. The breadcrumbs also help to add texture and flavor to the dish.

The spicy seasonings in this recipe add a nice kick of heat to the chicken. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less of the spices. The seasonings also help to enhance the flavor of the chicken, making it more delicious and aromatic.

Finally, the way we cook the chicken is important. We're using a sheet pan to cook the chicken, which allows for even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of browning. This method also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Spicy Chicken Tenders, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are chicken breasts, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spicy seasonings. You'll also need some oil for cooking and your favorite sides to serve with the chicken.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the chicken, opt for boneless and skinless breasts for the best results. For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken breasts for the best results. You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer.
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flourUse all-purpose flour for the breading, as it provides a light and crispy coating.
2 eggsThe eggs help to bind the breading to the chicken, creating a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
1 cup (60g) breadcrumbsYou can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. For this recipe, plain breadcrumbs work well.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the chicken and helps to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the chicken and complements the spicy seasonings.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the chicken and helps to bring out the other seasonings.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the chicken and helps to balance out the flavors.
1/4 tsp (1g) cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the chicken. You can adjust the amount to your liking, depending on your desired level of heat.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used for cooking the chicken and helps to prevent it from drying out.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowl for the breading stationSheet pan for cooking the chickenInstant-read thermometer for checking the internal temperatureCutting board for preparing the ingredientsMeasuring cups and spoons for accurate measurementsWhisk for mixing the eggsTongs or spatula for handling the chicken

How to Make Spicy Chicken Tenders

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This will be the breading mixture for the chicken.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. This will be used to bind the breading to the chicken.
4
Prepare the chicken by cutting it into tenders or strips. You can also use pre-cut chicken tenders if you prefer.
5
Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, coating it completely. Then, roll the tender in the breading mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick.
6
Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared sheet pan, leaving some space between each tender to allow for even cooking.
7
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders, making sure they are all coated with a thin layer of oil.
8
Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
9
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
10
Serve the Spicy Chicken Tenders with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also customize the dish with your favorite sauces or toppings.
11
For meal prep, let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat them.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the sheet pan, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
If you want to make the chicken tenders extra crispy, you can try broiling them for a few minutes after baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
You can customize the level of heat in the recipe by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can also add other spices or seasonings to suit your taste.
To make the recipe more efficient, you can prepare the breading station and the eggs while the oven is preheating. This will save you time and make the process smoother.
If you're using pre-cut chicken tenders, make sure to check the packaging for any added ingredients or seasonings. You may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to not overcook it. Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165 F (74 C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to the right internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Overcrowding the sheet pan, which can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and result in a less crispy exterior.
Not using enough breading, which can result in a less crispy exterior and a less flavorful dish.
Not letting the chicken rest before serving, which can result in a less tender and flavorful final product.
Not customizing the level of heat to your liking, which can result in a dish that is too spicy or not spicy enough.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can result in a less flavorful and less tender final product.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add other spices or seasonings to the breading mixture to give the chicken a unique flavor. Some options include dried herbs, grated cheese, or chopped nuts.
You can use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, to change the texture of the dish.
You can add a sauce or topping to the chicken tenders, such as honey mustard or BBQ sauce, to give them extra flavor.
You can serve the chicken tenders with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
You can make the recipe more substantial by adding other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to the breading mixture.
You can use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients or seasonings to make it your own.

What to Serve With Spicy Chicken Tenders

The Spicy Chicken Tenders are perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Some options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also customize the dish with your favorite sauces or toppings.

For a quick and easy meal, you can serve the chicken tenders with a side of frozen vegetables or a pre-made salad. You can also add some crusty bread or a side of fruit to round out the meal.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSaladFrozen vegetablesCrusty breadFruit

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Spicy Chicken Tenders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating the chicken tenders, you can use the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350 F (180 C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. To reheat in the microwave, cook on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through.

It's also important to note that you can make the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes the recipe perfect for meal prep and can save you time during the week.

When freezing the chicken tenders, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for added protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to not overcook it. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165 F (74 C). You can also try broiling the chicken for a few minutes after baking to add extra crispiness.

Can I customize the level of heat in the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the level of heat in the recipe by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can also add other spices or seasonings to suit your taste.

How do I store the chicken tenders?

To store the chicken tenders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make the recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the recipe ahead of time and store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes the recipe perfect for meal prep and can save you time during the week.

What are some variations of the recipe?

Some variations of the recipe include adding other spices or seasonings to the breading mixture, using different types of breadcrumbs, or serving the chicken tenders with a variety of sides.

How do I reheat the chicken tenders?

To reheat the chicken tenders, you can use the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350 F (180 C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. To reheat in the microwave, cook on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is heated through.

Can I use pre-cut chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use pre-cut chicken tenders for this recipe. Just make sure to check the packaging for any added ingredients or seasonings and adjust the recipe accordingly.

The Full Recipe

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