Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken, featuring juicy chicken strips coated with a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch without the extra oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into strips
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Breading
- 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
Finishing
- Olive oil spray for coating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Set Up Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken strips.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking tray. This arrangement helps air circulate for even crisping.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken tenders with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs over regular breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have olive oil spray, lightly brush the tenders with olive oil instead.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Chicken tenders can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Adjust seasonings to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
Keywords: baked chicken tenders, crispy chicken strips, healthy chicken tenders, oven-baked chicken, chicken strips recipe