Aunt Mae clipped this recipe from a ladies’ auxiliary newsletter in 1974, tucked it away, and apparently knew a good thing when she saw one. I finally made it last week, and my boys scraped their plates completely clean.
These 3-Ingredient Chicken Tenders are the kind of old-fashioned family supper that proves delicious food doesn’t need a long ingredient list. With tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and seasoned bread crumbs, you get golden, crisp-coated chicken with juicy meat inside—all prepared on one sheet pan.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about recipes like this. They’re practical, affordable, uncomplicated, and designed for feeding hungry families without spending all evening in the kitchen. The mayonnaise helps keep the chicken tender while creating a flavorful surface for the seasoned crumbs to cling to, giving every bite that satisfying crunchy coating.
Best of all, the method is incredibly simple: coat, arrange, bake, and serve. No complicated marinade, no frying pan full of oil, and no mountain of dishes afterward.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Chicken Tenders
– Only 3 ingredients make up the chicken itself.
– One sheet pan keeps cleanup easy.
– No deep frying is necessary for a deliciously crisp coating.
– The chicken stays tender and juicy inside.
– They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners and family meals.
– Kids can easily enjoy them with their favorite dipping sauce.
– Leftovers make excellent lunches, wraps, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
The star of the recipe, chicken tenders cook quickly and are naturally tender. Their smaller size also makes them especially convenient for a fast family dinner.
1 cup mayonnaise
Mayonnaise provides moisture and richness while helping the bread crumbs adhere beautifully to the chicken. As the tenders bake, it helps create a flavorful base beneath the crisp coating.
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
Seasoned bread crumbs provide the golden exterior and savory flavor that makes these tenders so satisfying. They transform the simple chicken into a crisp, crunchy main dish without requiring a complicated breading station.
How to Make Sheet Pan 3-Ingredient Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the mayonnaise and bread crumbs cling more evenly.
Step 3: Set up the coating
Place the mayonnaise in a shallow bowl. Add the seasoned bread crumbs to a second shallow bowl.
This simple two-bowl setup keeps the coating process quick and organized.
Step 4: Coat the chicken
Take one chicken tender at a time and spread it lightly with mayonnaise, making sure it is coated without applying an excessively thick layer.
Immediately place it into the seasoned bread crumbs. Press gently so the crumbs adhere to all sides.
Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
Step 5: Arrange on the sheet pan
Place the coated tenders on the prepared pan in a single layer, leaving a little room between each piece.
Avoid crowding the pan whenever possible. Giving the chicken space allows the hot oven air to circulate around the coating and encourages better browning.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 to 22 minutes.
The coating should become golden brown and crisp, while the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.
Because chicken tenders vary in size, begin checking them toward the earlier end of the cooking time.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let the tenders rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and easy side dishes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken dry first. Excess moisture can make the coating less likely to adhere properly.
Don’t use too much mayonnaise. A thin, even coating is enough to help the bread crumbs stick while keeping the finished tenders from becoming overly heavy.
Give the tenders breathing room. Arrange them in a single layer with space between pieces for a better crisp coating.
Use a wire rack for extra crispiness. If you have one that fits your sheet pan, place the coated chicken on the rack. This allows air to circulate underneath and can help prevent a soft bottom.
Check the temperature early. Chicken tenders cook quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove them once the center reaches 165°F to help preserve their juiciness.
Customize the crumbs. Add a little garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan to the bread crumbs for an easy flavor upgrade.
Choose plain crumbs for picky eaters. If your family prefers a milder flavor, plain bread crumbs work beautifully. Let everyone choose their favorite sauce at the table.
Serving Suggestions
These oven-baked chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with all kinds of comforting sides.
For a classic family dinner, serve them with crispy oven fries, macaroni and cheese, or buttery mashed potatoes.
For a vegetable side, try buttered green beans, sweet corn, roasted broccoli, or a simple garden salad.
You can also turn the tenders into an easy sandwich meal. Tuck them into soft dinner rolls or wraps with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a little mayonnaise or ranch.
And don’t forget the dipping sauces. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, ketchup, or a creamy dipping sauce can turn these simple chicken tenders into a meal everyone can customize.
Easy Leftover Ideas
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste.
Reheat the tenders in an air fryer or oven until hot and crisp again. Then slice them and add them to a salad, tuck them into a wrap, or serve them over rice with vegetables.
They also make an easy next-day lunch when you’re looking for something quick but more satisfying than another sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be cut into strips and used in the same basic method. Keep in mind that thicker pieces may require additional cooking time.
Can I use plain bread crumbs?
Absolutely. Plain bread crumbs are a good choice if you want a milder flavor. You can season them yourself with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan.
How do I make the coating crispier?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and consider using a wire rack over the sheet pan. You can also lightly spray the crumb coating with cooking spray before baking if desired.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest method is to check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Allow cooked tenders to cool completely, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back some of their crispness.
The Best Kind of Old-Fashioned Family Recipe
There’s a reason recipes like Aunt Mae’s 1974 chicken tenders keep getting passed from one kitchen to another. They don’t rely on fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. They simply take a few inexpensive staples and turn them into something the whole family wants to eat.
These Sheet Pan 3-Ingredient Chicken Tenders deliver everything you want from an easy weeknight dinner: a golden crunchy coating, tender juicy chicken, minimal preparation, and very little cleanup.
Sometimes the recipes worth keeping aren’t the ones with the longest ingredient lists. They’re the ones that make everyone at the table reach for another piece—and, just like my boys did, leave their plates completely clean.