Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken strips coated in an herby breadcrumb crust, baked until golden and served with a creamy spicy aioli dip. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 33 minutes pairs chicken tenders, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Dip each of the 1 lb chicken tenders into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp sriracha sauce and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl to create the spicy aioli.
  8. Step 8: Serve the hot chicken tenders with the spicy aioli for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Frozen Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Spicy Aioli?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.