Description
This Baked Chicken Tenders recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to fried chicken tenders. Coated in seasoned toasted panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and juicy, these tenders are perfect for a quick family dinner or a game day snack. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, they deliver that satisfying crunch without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Coating:
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray
- Dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Toast the Panko: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on a parchment-lined large baking sheet and bake for 2-3 minutes. Stir the breadcrumbs and bake for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Mix the Breadcrumbs: Remove the toasted panko from the oven and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in dried parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until evenly combined. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Place an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl to combine.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each tender into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Press each tender into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated. Place coated tenders onto the parchment-lined baking sheet set with the wire rack. Repeat for all tenders.
- Bake: Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness if desired. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow tenders to cool slightly. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through for safety and juiciness.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before toasting and baking the panko and chicken.
- Feel free to substitute chicken tenders with chicken breast strips if preferred.
- The cooking spray helps create extra crispiness but can be omitted for a lower-fat option.
- Try different seasonings in the breadcrumb mix such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
