Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried tenders, delivering a crunchy texture and flavorful coating using panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Eggs
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray for coating
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts or tenders into strips of even size to ensure uniform cooking.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Arrange on Tray: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray to help them crisp up and develop a golden-brown color during baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. These tenders pair well with your favorite dipping sauces or a side salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even baking.
- Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to prevent sogginess from sitting in oil released during baking.
- If preferred, chicken tenders can be marinated in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading for added tenderness.
Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, baked chicken strips, panko chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken tenders