Description
When dinner calls for something simple, these crispy chicken tenders are my go-to solution for satisfying hungry family members. Seasoned with a perfect blend of spices and coated in a golden, crunchy breading, these tender strips deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders
Breading and Binding:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil or spray
Instructions
- Gather three wide, shallow dishes for creating a breading assembly line on your kitchen counter.
- In the first dish, spread the ½ cup of all-purpose flour evenly across the bottom.
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the second dish, add 1 tablespoon milk, and whisk together until smoothly combined.
- Mix the 1 cup breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
- Pat each chicken tender dry with paper towels to help breading adhere better.
- Roll a chicken tender in the flour, coating completely and shaking off excess.
- Dunk the floured tender into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Transfer the egg-coated tender into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick thoroughly.
- Place the breaded tender on a clean plate and repeat the coating process with remaining chicken pieces.
- For baking, heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer without touching and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, then flip each tender and cook an additional 9-10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispy exterior, serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help breading stick better and create crispier texture.
- For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add extra flavor by mixing herbs like dried thyme or parsley into breadcrumb mixture for more complexity.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes (bake) / 6-8 minutes (fry) / 10-12 minutes (air fry)
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg