Name: Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 head of garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about crispy chicken tenders that are baked, not fried, paired with a cool, tangy dip that’s bursting with garlic flavor. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe with you—it’s a healthier twist that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

The image shows five golden-brown crispy coated chicken strips arranged on a wooden board, with a crunchy, textured coating visible on each piece. Two white ramekins filled with a creamy white dipping sauce are placed near the upper and left edges of the board. The wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm tones of the chicken. Small crumbs from the coating are scattered around the strips and board edges, making the scene look natural and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my go-tos because it delivers that perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful without the mess of deep frying. Honestly, the garlic yogurt dip elevates those tenders to something special—a zesty, creamy partner that’s easy to whip up.

Simple Prep: You only need a few staple ingredients and minimal hands-on time to get these in the oven.
Crunchy & Tender: The panko and Parmesan crust bakes up super crisp while the chicken remains juicy inside.
Garlic Yogurt Dip: Roasting the garlic softens it beautifully and blends perfectly into the cool yogurt for a dip that’s bursting with flavor.
Healthy & Family-Friendly: Oven baking cuts down on oil, and this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to boost flavor and texture — from the crunch of panko to the earthy depth of roasted garlic. A quick trip to the grocery store will get you everything you need, and here are a few tips to help along the way.

Flat lay of a plump cluster of raw chicken tenders, a small mound of fine all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs resting side by side, a white bowl filled with coarse golden panko breadcrumbs mixed with a dusting of grated pale Parmesan cheese and specks of green Italian seasoning, a small white bowl containing bright white garlic powder, another with light tan onion powder, a third white bowl with a fine reddish chicken bouillon powder, a neat pinch of salt and ground black pepper showcased together in a tiny white bowl, a whole garlic head with smooth papery skin, a small white bowl of glossy olive oil, a white ceramic bowl holding thick creamy plain Greek yogurt, and a white bowl with fresh lemon juice—all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: These strips cook quickly and stay tender; I like getting fresh over frozen for best results.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the first sticky layer to help the egg and breadcrumb coating adhere perfectly.
Eggs: They bind the coating, making sure the panko crust clings firmly.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide that essential light, crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that deepens the flavor of the coating.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential aromatics that build savory complexity in the breading.
Chicken bouillon & Italian seasoning: Boost the chicken flavor and sprinkle in some herbal notes.
Salt & black pepper: Always essential to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the coating in the oven without excess grease.
Garlic (head): Roasting softens the garlic, making it mellow and sweet, perfect for blending into the yogurt dip.
Olive oil (for roasting garlic): Keeps the garlic moist and caramelizes it beautifully.
Plain Greek yogurt: A creamy, tangy base for the dip that balances the rich tenders.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dip and adds a nice zing to cut through the richness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this recipe classic but with a little twist here and there depending on the occasion. Don’t be afraid to play around with the seasoning or dip to suit your mood or pantry.

Variation: Once, I tried tossing the tenders in a bit of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick—such a hit at game night!
Dietary Modification: For gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour and panko for almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Seasonal Twist: During summer, a lemon zest addition to the panko mixture adds a bright, fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with the garlic yogurt dip.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown crispy chicken tender being dipped into a white creamy sauce in a white ribbed ramekin. The chicken tender has a rough, crunchy texture with visible seasonings and crumbs. Behind the ramekin, there are more pieces of chicken tenders stacked on a brown wooden surface, which transitions into a white marbled texture background. A woman's hand with red nail polish is holding the chicken tender from the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Garlic for Roasting

I start by slicing off the top of the garlic head, just enough to expose the tops of the cloves—think of it like giving them a little haircut. Then, drizzle on that olive oil and wrap it up tightly in foil. Pop it in the oven right at the start because it needs about 30 minutes to roast gently while you prep everything else. You’ll know it’s ready when the cloves are soft, caramelized, and you'll smell that incredible roasted aroma filling your kitchen. This small step is what makes the yogurt dip truly sing!

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

This is the fun part that feels a bit like an assembly line: arrange your flour in one shallow bowl, whisked eggs in the second, and in the third, combine your panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I find mixing the panko coating well ahead helps ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned and crunchy.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips

Patting the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel is a small but crucial step—it helps your coating stick like a charm. Then dip each piece first in flour, making sure it's coated all around, next into the eggs, then into your panko mixture. Press gently but firmly so every side gets that golden crust treatment. Laying them out spaced evenly on a parchment-lined sheet pan ready for the oven sets you up for even cooking and a crunchy texture.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Give the tops of the chicken tenders a quick spritz of olive oil spray—this helps them brown beautifully without frying. Bake at 425°F for around 20 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on that golden color and check the internal temp reaches 165°F; that’s the sweet spot for juicy, cooked chicken without drying out.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip

When your garlic is roasted, squeeze out the soft cloves and stir them into the Greek yogurt along with fresh lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. The dip needs just a quick stir, but the roasting takes it from sharp and raw to mellow, sweet, and creamy—trust me, you’ll want to double this dip!

Top Tip

Over the years of making this recipe, I’ve learned that a few little things make all the difference between good and GREAT Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe. Here are my top tips straight from my kitchen to yours.

Dry Your Chicken Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—wet chicken leads to soggy coating. Pat it dry before breading to get that amazing crunch.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Parmesan adds an unbeatable savory depth and aids browning. It’s a small addition that truly elevates the coating.
Flip Halfway: Turning the tenders halfway through baking ensures even browning on both sides instead of one side getting all the glory.
Roast Garlic Early: Start roasting your garlic first thing—you’ll be surprised how big of a flavor difference roasted garlic makes in the dip compared to raw.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe

oven baked chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the chicken tenders—it brightens up the plate and pairs well with the garlicky dip. A few lemon wedges on the side add a fresh burst when squeezed over those crispy tenders.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve are a vibrant mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and some roasted sweet potato fries for a touch of natural sweetness that complements the savory tenders perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or party platter, I arrange the tenders on a big board with small bowls of the garlic yogurt dip, carrot sticks, celery, and even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for people to add some heat. It’s casual, interactive, and looks irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your chicken tenders cool, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge—they keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. I always keep the dip separate so it stays fresh and creamy.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To keep them crispy, I reheat in the air fryer or a hot oven rather than the microwave. This helps bring back the crunch and keeps the chicken juicy without getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tenders, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well and bakes up crispy.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If you don't have panko, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, though panko provides a lighter, crispier texture. You might want to toast regular breadcrumbs lightly in a pan for extra crunch.

How long can I store the garlic yogurt dip?

The garlic yogurt dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

Can I make the chicken tenders spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the panko mixture to give the tenders a subtle or strong spicy kick, depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family a weeknight dinner or serving friends at a casual gathering, these tenders and that garlicky dip never disappoint. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do—there's something truly joyful about sharing food that's both tasty and made with care.