Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried chicken strips. They are coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection for a crunchy texture without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
Breading Mix
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with crisping.
- Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each strip first into flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the breaded chicken tenders spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to ensure they crisp up nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce for a tasty meal or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, allow the breaded chicken to rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute chicken breast cut into strips if tenders are not available.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture according to your taste preference.
- To keep tenders warm while baking in batches, place cooked ones on a wire rack in a warm oven at 200°F (93°C).
- Leftover tenders can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
