Description
Crispy homemade baked chicken tenders deliver golden-brown perfection with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Seasoned breadcrumbs and a smart oven technique ensure juicy, crunchy results that will delight your dinner crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Transform chicken breasts into uniform strips, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking. If using pre-cut chicken tenders, skip slicing.
- Create two separate shallow preparation bowls: one for whisked eggs and another for seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Blend breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to develop a complex flavor profile.
- Season chicken strips delicately with salt and pepper, enhancing natural meat flavors.
- Immerse each chicken strip into beaten eggs, allowing excess liquid to drip away smoothly.
- Carefully roll egg-coated strips through breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure complete, even coating.
- For maximum crunchiness, execute a double-dredging technique by repeating egg and breadcrumb process.
- Prepare baking surface with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Position wire cooling rack atop baking sheet to promote optimal air circulation and achieve crispy exterior.
- Arrange breaded chicken tenders with sufficient spacing, preventing moisture accumulation and promoting uniform browning.
- Preheat oven to 400°F, creating ideal environment for golden, crisp exterior.
- Mist chicken tenders lightly with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness and color.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee consistent browning and thorough cooking.
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Allow tenders to rest briefly after removing from oven, permitting juices to redistribute.
- Present warm with complementary dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch for enhanced enjoyment.
Notes
- Coating Hack: Double-dipping the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs creates an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after cooling down.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat tenders.
- Gluten-Free Modification: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare breaded tenders ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to develop and saving preparation time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg