Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Caesar chicken tenders are an exciting new take on the classic flavors of Caesar salad. Fun to eat and easy to make, these chicken tenders will be a hit with the whole family.
How long it takes: 25 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake
Equipment you’ll need: 3 shallow bowls, baking sheet
Servings: 8
Homemade Chicken Tenders
Chicken you can eat with your hands? That’s a win for kids and adults. Chicken you can eat with your hands that is made with only 5 additional ingredients? Well, that’s a win for mom (or whoever does the cooking).
If you like chicken Caesar salads, you’ll love this recipe for chicken tenders. It’s chicken Caesar that you can eat with your hands and it’s unbelievably simple to make. (Keep reading for more chicken tender recipes.) Be sure to try my chicken Caesar pasta salad, too!
Caesar Chicken Tenders
Only 5 ingredients! The list is simple: chicken, Caesar dressing, Caesar croutons, panko bread crumbs (for extra crispiness), and flour. (If you need more inspiration for 5 ingredient chicken recipes, try one pan pizza chicken or chicken enchilada soup.)
Always a hit. Even if you don’t like Caesar salads, you’ll probably still like this recipe. Just ask my husband! He is absolutely not a fan of Caesar salad but he loves these chicken tenders. It gets the seal of approval and even the “I could eat this every night!” from hubby!
Shortcut version: Use store bought Caesar dressing and Caesar croutons to bread the tenders. You can really drive home the flavor of a Caesar salad without making the recipe too difficult or labor-intensive.
All homemade version: Make your own Caesar dressing It’s easy and healthier, too. Give it a try if you have a little extra time. Homemade Caesar croutons are definitely something you want to try, too! Both the dressing and the croutons can be made ahead.
How To Make Caesar Chicken Tenders
Prep the chicken. You can buy a package of chicken tenders (raw chicken tenderloins) or cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. I usually go that route because it’s more economical. You’ll get approximately 4 tenders per chicken breast.
Make the breading. The breading is a simple mixture of crushed Caesar croutons, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese.
Bread the tenders. You’ll need 3 shallow bowls. First, the chicken tenders are dipped into flour (this helps the breading stick). Second, they’re dipped in the Caesar dressing. Third, they’re dipped into the bread crumb mixture.
Bake. Place the tenders on a baking sheet. If you want, cover it first with parchment paper or place them on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray. Bake until crisp and the chicken is done.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Caesar chicken tenders on a salad with crisp romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, Parmesan cheese, and more dressing. Try them in a wrap or on a bun with lettuce and dressing.
Serve the chicken tenders just as they are with extra dressing to dip them in. Roast broccoli or cauliflower in the oven right along with the tenders. Simple and nutritious!
More Chicken Tenders (and Nuggets)
- Baked chicken tenders (the “plain” variety)
- Pizza chicken tenders
- Taco chicken tenders
- Turkey tenders (you’ll love the cranberry BBQ sauce!)
- Chicken nuggets with Parmesan
- Air fryer chicken nuggets – so crispy!
- Air fryer chicken tenders
More Chicken Recipes
Caesar Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
- 2 cups Caesar seasoned croutons (see note)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup prepared Caesar dressing, plus extra for serving (see note)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut chicken breast into tender-sized strips by cutting down the long side of the breast (try to make them equal for even cooking). It should come out to about 4 tenders per chicken breast.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Crush the Caesar croutons in a food processor, blender, or in a resealable bag.2 cups Caesar seasoned croutons
- In a shallow bowl, mix crushed croutons, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Place flour in another shallow bowl, and dressing in a third shallow bowl.½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup prepared Caesar dressing, plus extra for serving
- Dip a chicken tender in flour and shake the excess off. Then dip it into the dressing and use your fingers to brush off any excess so there is only a thin layer (otherwise they’ll get soggy even after baking). Then, dip into the crouton mixture so that the tender is evenly coated.
- Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue this breading process until all tenders are breaded and on the baking tray. Space them out so the sides aren't touching.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Serve immediately with extra dressing as a dip, if desired.
Notes
- Serving suggestions: On their own or dipped in Caesar dressing; in a wrap with extra parmesan, Caesar dressing and shredded lettuce, or on a salad made with lots of romaine, croutons, cheese and dressed with Caesar dressing.
- Make your own: For even better flavor, make easy Caesar croutons and Caesar dressing. Healthier and delicious!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
My kids devoured these. And my husband and I had the most delicious Chicken Caesar Salads topped with the tenders! Going into our meal rotation – we loved it!
I’m so happy to hear everyone liked these! That’s always a major victory!