If there’s one meal that gets a “yes!” from everyone at the table, it’s these tender oven baked chicken strips. They’re slightly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with simple pantry ingredients! No frying, no mess, and no separate meals for you and your kiddos.
As a dietitian and mom, I love recipes that work for everyone because truly who has time to be making separate meals?! From toddlers still learning to chew to hungry parents (yes - they're husband approved too) who just want something satisfying and easy. These healthy chicken strips check all the boxes for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even packed lunches the next day.
Why You & Your Kids Will Love These Chicken Strips
- tender and juicy inside, with a golden crisp coating
- simple ingredients you probably already have everything on hand
- healthy and family-friendly, baked instead of fried
- toddler-approved, soft enough for little mouths + flavorful enough for grown-ups
- freezer-friendly for quick reheat meals or school lunches
If you need another easy lunch or dinner recipe to have up your sleeve, be sure to try out my veggie meatballs and pair with my carrot fries for a balanced meal!
Jump to:
- Why You & Your Kids Will Love These Chicken Strips
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Baked Chicken Strips
- Hint For The Best Baked Chicken Strips
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve Chicken Strips
- Equipment
- Storing Your Baked Chicken Strips
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Oven Baked Chicken Strips for the Whole Family
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make these easy oven baked chicken strips:
- chicken tenders – naturally tender and cook evenly (you can also slice chicken breast into strips)
- egg – helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken moist
- flour – creates a light base layer that helps the crumbs cling
- almond flour, breadcrumbs, or crushed cereal – adds crunch and texture
- garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – simple seasonings that make them flavorful
- oil spray (optional) – a light mist helps with browning and crispness
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Baked Chicken Strips
- Step 1: Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. Then set up your coating station! In one bowl, whisk the egg (or mayo, yogurt, or milk). In another, mix the almond flour or breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Then have the flour in another.
- Step 2: Dip each tender into the flour, then the egg mixture, then coat fully in the dry crumb mixture. Arrange on the baking sheet and lightly spray with oil if desired.
- Step 3: Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Step 4: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Hint For The Best Baked Chicken Strips
For the most tender chicken strips, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness right at 15 minutes! A quick spritz of oil before baking also helps the coating crisp up beautifully without drying out.
Substitutions
These baked chicken strips are already dairy-free and gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour! Here are some other substitutes if you need them:
- gluten-free: use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- egg-free: use mayo, yogurt, or milk wash instead of egg
- nut-free: use Panko, breadcrumbs, crushed Cheerios or Cornflakes (or if you'd like a crunchier version)
- extra flavor: sprinkle in grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for flavor boost
Variations
Change up and add more flavor to this baked chicken strips by customizing the coating seasonings!
- cereal coating: crushed Cheerios or Cornflakes make a super fun crunch for kids
- garlic parmesan: stir in ¼ cup grated parmesan or nutritional yeast into the coating mixture for flavor boost
- Italian kick: add in Italian seasoning for an herby twist
How To Serve Chicken Strips
- for babies 9+ months - cut into bite size pieces and serve with avocado pieces (rolled in hemp hearts for added nutrition) + fruit + steamed veggies
- serve with a dip like ranch, ketchup, chicken dip sauce, or dijon mustard
- add into a lunchbox for an easy grab protein option
- turn into "chicken parmesan" by adding marinara and melted cheese on top
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basics for these baked chicken strips: a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup), a couple of shallow bowls for dipping and coating, tongs or a fork to handle the chicken, and an oven thermometer if you want to be sure your strips bake evenly. A quick spray of oil from a mister or spray bottle helps them turn perfectly golden and tender.
Storing Your Baked Chicken Strips
Store any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer until warmed through and crisp again. For toddlers, you can also warm gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to keep them tender. These reheat beautifully for quick lunches or meal prep nights!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Pair these with a veggie and a dip your little one loves like homemade ranch, honey mustard, or even mashed avocado! If your toddler prefers dipping everything, serve the sauce on the side to give them independence and reduce pressure at the table.
These tender oven-baked chicken strips are one of those recipes you’ll keep on repeat. They’re easy, nourishing, and crowd-pleasing for the entire family. Whether you’re serving them with veggies, packing them in lunchboxes, or pairing them with fruit for a quick toddler plate, they make healthy eating simple.
FAQ
Yes! Just slice into even strips for quick, even baking. They'll actually be a bit juicier and more tender than the chicken breast!
Yes! Swap the egg for 2 tablespoons of mayo, yogurt, or milk. Each helps the coating stick while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these easy baked chicken strips:
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Strips for the Whole Family
Equipment
- meat thermometer
- tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast
- 1 egg or 2 tablespoon mayo, yogurt, or milk for egg-free
- ½ cup flour any will work, use gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup almond flour or swap for breadcrumbs or crushed cereal for more crunch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- light sprinkle of salt and black pepper
- spray oil optional, for crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.
- Set up coating stations. Whisk the egg (or substitute) in one bowl. Mix almond flour/breadcrumbs/cereal, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in another. Then have the flour in another bowl.
- Dip each strip into the flour first, then egg wash, then coat evenly in the dry crumb mixture. Arrange on the baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
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