Description
These Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on classic fried chicken tenders, featuring a crunchy panko-Parmesan coating seasoned with garlic and paprika. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a deliciously crispy texture without the extra oil, making them ideal for a family-friendly meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Others
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
- Make the egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth, creating a coating mixture for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure to cover all sides completely for a crispy crust.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow heat circulation and crispiness.
- Apply oil spray: Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray for extra browning and crunch during baking.
- Bake the tenders: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure an even golden and crispy crust. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add dried herbs such as oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure chicken tenders are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation and even crisping if available.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
