Classic Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Nothing beats the sound of that first satisfying crunch when you bite into a perfectly breaded chicken tender. These Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are a staple in our home because they deliver all the nostalgic, golden-brown goodness of a deep-fried classic without the heavy oil or the stovetop mess.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire cooling rack on top.
- Setup: Prepare three bowls: 1) Flour mixed with salt and pepper. 2) Whisked eggs. 3) Panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bread: Dredge each tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the Panko mixture, pressing down to adhere.
- Arrange: Place tenders on the wire rack and spray lightly with olive oil spray.
- Bake: Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.