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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on the classic fried favorite, delivering the same crunch and flavor without the extra oil. Tender strips of chicken are coated in a seasoned panko and Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, these tenders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders (cut into 1-inch wide strips)

For the Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Breading

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Baking

  • Olive oil spray (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch wide strips to create even pieces that will cook uniformly. If you’re using pre-cut chicken tenders, you can skip this step.
  2. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up two shallow bowls. In the first, beat the eggs until smooth. In the second, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper on all sides to enhance their flavor before breading.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Next, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
  5. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet; this allows air circulation under the tenders and ensures maximum crispiness.
  6. Arrange the Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
  7. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil spray to help them crisp as they bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking. The tenders are done when golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the middle reads 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes out of the oven so the coating stays crisp. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Double-coating the chicken makes the crust extra crispy.
  • Using a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms and crisps up the entire tender.
  • Try a mix of spices, such as cayenne or Italian seasoning, to change up the flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, oven baked, panko crusted, healthy chicken strips, family friendly, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders-recipe/