Description
Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken strips. Coated in a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these tenders bake to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect as a family dinner or party appetizer, they require minimal effort and come out irresistibly tasty every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Finishing
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all seasoning.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended and smooth. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully moistened, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and coat completely, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Apply Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust while baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly. Bake until the outside is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts cut into strips if preferred.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Flipping halfway through baking promotes even crispiness on both sides.
- Using olive oil spray instead of brushing oil keeps the coating lighter and crisper.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings without changes in cooking time.
