Baked Turkey Tenders Recipe

Try this easy-baked turkey tenders recipe for juicy, flavorful turkey breast tenderloin. Perfect for a quick family dinner, ready in under 40 minutes!

My kids love fried chicken breast tenders, but I try to switch things up every couple of weeks. This baked turkey tenders recipe is a great and healthier alternative to their usual request. These tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a savory flavor from the Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. The dominant flavors are the turkey itself, complemented by the crispy panko coating and the subtle cheesy notes.

The tenders are made in the oven, which helps achieve a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. This baking method also means less hands-on time, allowing you to prepare side dishes or help with homework while dinner cooks. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, with an additional 5 minutes of resting time.

The first time I made these for my kids, they didn't even notice it wasn't their usual chicken tender recipe. They even asked for seconds! It's become a go-to meal in our house when we want something familiar but a bit healthier. With simple ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, it's an easy-to-follow recipe that results in a protein-packed and tasty meal that's sure to please even picky eaters.

This easy oven-baked turkey tenders recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple turkey dinner any day of the week. The cooking time is relatively short, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Pre-cut turkey breast strips - I use frozen turkey breast strips, you can use fresh ones if you prefer. I find that this is an under-utilized cut of turkey that actually tastes amazing and is such an easy recipe to make in a pinch for dinner!
• All-purpose flour - helps breading stick to the turkey strips
• Egg substitute - binds breading to turkey
• Panko - Japanese breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese - adds savory flavor to breading
• Garlic salt - seasons breading with garlic flavor
• Olive oil cooking spray - you can use other cooking sprays
  
  See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step instructions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders, these oven baked turkey tenders are the perfect solution! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they're the star of the table for both kids and adults. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, protein-packed turkey recipe that is both tasty and nutritious!

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy exterior on the turkey tenders while keeping the inside juicy.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Take a large baking sheet and place a cooling rack on top of it. This setup allows air to circulate the turkey tenders, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Spray the cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the turkey from sticking.

Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process:

In the first dish, place the flour.
In the second dish, pour the egg substitute.
In the third dish, combine the panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well.

Bread the Turkey Tenders

Take each turkey breast tender and follow these steps:

• Dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip it in the egg substitute, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Arrange and Prepare for Baking

Place the breaded turkey tenders onto the prepared cooling rack on the baking sheet. Make sure they're not touching each other to allow for even cooking. Once all the tenders are arranged, lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help them achieve a golden-brown color.

Bake the Turkey Tenders

Put the baking sheet with the turkey tenders into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenders. There's no need to turn them over during cooking, as the cooling rack setup allows for even heat distribution.

Broil for Extra Crispiness

After the initial baking time, switch your oven to broil. Place the turkey tenders under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This step will give the coating an extra crispy texture.

Serve

Remove the oven-baked turkey tenders from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They're best served hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, juicy, homemade oven-roasted turkey tenders!

Storage

If you have any turkey tenders leftover, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the tenders for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze them, place the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen tenders can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. You can also use an air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a quick reheat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Always ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What to Serve with Baked Turkey Tenders

This baked turkey tenders recipe is best paired with hearty, comforting sides that balance flavor and warmth. For sides, my cheesy cabbage casserole is a great choice, it's a tender cabbage casserole with cheese, onions, and a crunchy topping. Another option is my butternut squash wild rice pilaf recipe, it's a sweet, roasted butternut squash with earthy wild rice. It’s filling and flavorful, bringing a seasonal touch to the meal, perfect for the turkey tenders.

Recipe