Description
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these oven-baked chicken tenders use a double-dip dredging technique and panko breadcrumbs for a restaurant-quality crunch without the grease.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (for flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for breadcrumbs)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with oil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even 1/2 inch thickness and slice into 1-inch wide strips.
- Set up three shallow dishes: Dish 1 with flour, salt, and pepper; Dish 2 with whisked eggs and milk/buttermilk; Dish 3 with panko, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat.
- Place coated strips on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip. Spray the other side with oil and bake for another 8-10 minutes.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken is dry before dredging to prevent clumping. Use a wire rack for airflow to prevent soggy bottoms. If breadcrumbs brown too fast, lower oven to 375°F. For air fryer, cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 tenders
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: chicken tenders, oven baked chicken, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, panko chicken, healthy chicken recipe