Oh, let me tell you about my all-time favorite recipe—Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! This gem has been a delectable staple in my household for as long as I can remember. I can still picture the very first time I made them: I was flipping through a cookbook, saw a picture of golden-brown chicken, and thought, “Whoa! I have to try that!” The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma was intoxicating, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in.
What I love most about these chicken tenders is that they’re not just a guilty pleasure; they are crispy, succulent, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, I’m all about healthier alternatives, so baking them gives me that crunchy texture I crave without the need for deep-frying. I get to meet my chicken tender cravings while still feeling good about what I’m eating—but don’t worry, you can always dip them in a mountain of ranch if that’s your style!
What’s in Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what’s in these crispy delights.
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they stay juicy and cook evenly.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs bring an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match. I usually grab the Kikkoman brand, but any good panko will do!
Parmesan Cheese: Not only does this add flavor, but it enhances the crispiness of the coating. I prefer using freshly grated Parmesan, it makes all the difference.
Spices: A simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper adds the kind of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Eggs: These act as the binding agent. The tenders need a little something to help the panko stick!
Olive Oil: Brushing the chicken with olive oil (or even a light spray) helps to achieve that golden-brown color.
Is Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Good for You?
Now let’s talk about whether these delicious tenders are also kind to your body.
Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein, they’re rich in essential nutrients and low in fat, especially if you choose skinless.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Compared to regular breadcrumbs, panko is lighter and crispier. And because these tenders are baked, they have far less oil than if they were fried.
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s indulgent, in moderation it provides calcium and protein. You definitely don’t need to use a ton to reap the benefits.
So, while they are definitely a treat, they’re smarter than your average fried food. Just remember, like with all good things, moderation is key!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves about 4)
– 1 cup panko bread crumbs
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?
Ready to whip these up? Here’s how you can achieve crispy perfection:
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help keep your tenders crispy!
2. **Prep the Chicken:** Slice the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. This is where you get to be a little chef!
3. **Make the Crumb Mixture:** In one bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. **Whisk the Eggs:** In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re nice and frothy.
5. **Coat the Chicken:** Dip each chicken strip first into the egg, then dredge in the panko mixture. Make sure they’re evenly coated for that ultimate crunch!
6. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet, and brush or spray lightly with olive oil. This ensures they’ll brown beautifully.
7. **Bake Away:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. **Serve and Enjoy!** Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and get ready for an encore!
Truthful Tidbits for Tender Lovers
– For an extra kick, feel free to spice things up with cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce in the egg mixture.
– These tenders freeze beautifully! Just place the uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag for future munching!
– If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt), they can be reheated in the oven to retain that crunch. Just be sure to cover them with foil for the first few minutes to warm through without drying out.
I really can’t wait for you to give these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders a try! They’re perfect for an easy dinner or snack, and I promise they’ll wow your family just like they have mine. Be sure to come back and share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Happy cooking!
