Crispiest Healthier Chicken Tenders (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy, juicy baked chicken tenders with a savory breadcrumb crust and simple seasoning for a healthier twist.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs 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 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

→ Breading

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

→ Finishing

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

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
02 - Combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme in a shallow dish and mix thoroughly.
03 - Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate shallow dish until homogenous, ensuring no streaks remain.
04 - In a third shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
05 - Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat evenly with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly 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 tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. Drizzle or brush olive oil evenly over the tenders.
08 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.
09 - For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10 - Remove from oven and let the tenders rest for several minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crispiness; bake in batches if required.
02 - Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
03 - Fresh panko breadcrumbs yield superior crispness compared to stale ones.
04 - Letting tenders rest enhances juiciness and flavor.

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