Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on classic fried tenders, featuring a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika, baked to golden perfection for a delicious and simple family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast sliced into strips)
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
Breading Mix
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plain/unseasoned)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Breading Mix: In a shallow bowl or baking dish, thoroughly combine the panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create an evenly seasoned coating mixture.
- Whisk Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, crack and whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully blended, forming your egg wash for dipping.
- Dip Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before proceeding.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the egg-dipped chicken tenders firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is well coated on all sides. Transfer the coated tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken tenders with non-stick cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then flip each tender and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they are cooked through and safe to eat.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs ensures maximum crunch.
- For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
- Check internal temperature to guarantee doneness and food safety.
