Description
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken strips, featuring juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, crunchy panko-Parmesan crust. Baked to golden perfection in the oven, these tenders are easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips
Breading Mixture
- 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
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Others
- 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 with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one 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 with paper towels. First, dredge each piece in the flour to help the egg adhere. Then dip them into the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated. Finally, press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help achieve a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook until the tenders are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer spicier tenders, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
- You can swap chicken tenders for strips of chicken breast if desired.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
