Description
Crispy chicken tenders bring comfort right to the dinner table, with golden breaded goodness that promises delightful crunch in every bite. Home cooks can easily create this classic favorite, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400F (200C) and create a non-stick surface on a baking sheet using parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Create a binding liquid by whisking eggs and milk together in a shallow container, ensuring a smooth, even mixture.
- Craft a crispy coating by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by first dunking it completely in the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated tender carefully through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure a consistent, adherent layer of breading.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Enhance golden browning by lightly misting the tenders with cooking spray, which will help achieve a beautiful, crisp exterior.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tenders midway to guarantee uniform cooking and color.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.
- Present the golden-brown tenders immediately, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce for a delectable meal.
Notes
- Customize the breadcrumb mix by adding herbs like dried basil or oregano for extra flavor depth.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by swapping regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Boost protein intake by using whole wheat breadcrumbs or adding ground nuts to the coating mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
- Ensure even cooking by choosing chicken tenders of similar size and thickness, which helps achieve consistent golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg