Crispiest Healthier Chicken Tenders (Printer-Friendly Version)

Juicy chicken tenders with a crispy breadcrumb coating baked until golden brown and tender.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips

→ Flour Mixture

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Egg Wash

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/4 cup milk

→ Breadcrumb Coating

11 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Additional

13 - 1/4 cup olive oil
14 - Cooking spray

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Trim chicken breasts and cut into uniform 1-inch thick strips for even cooking.
02 - In a shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs with milk until fully combined and homogenous.
04 - In a third shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly.
05 - Dredge each chicken strip in flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat evenly with panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
07 - Place breaded chicken strips in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken or brush it on to promote browning.
08 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
09 - For additional crispness, broil the tenders for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully monitoring to avoid burning.
10 - Remove tenders from oven and allow them to rest for several minutes to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crisp texture; bake in batches if necessary.
02 - Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for optimal crunch and flavor.
03 - Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee doneness.
04 - Letting tenders rest after baking improves juiciness.

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