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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Parmesan and Panko Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

These Baked Chicken Tenders are coated in a flavorful batter and crispy, buttery panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, they make an easy, family-friendly dinner option that's delicious and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, or tenderloins
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Batter

  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Breadcrumb Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into 3 to 4 strips lengthwise, about 1 ¼ inches wide. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat tenderizer until just under ½-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Make and Marinate in Batter: In a large bowl, combine the egg, sour cream, flour, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, honey, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate in this batter at room temperature as you prepare the breadcrumb coating, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Prepare Breadcrumb Coating: In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Spread the coated breadcrumbs on a large, light-colored baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer breadcrumbs back into the bowl. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine evenly.
  5. Coat Chicken with Breadcrumbs: Using kitchen tongs, lift each chicken strip out of the batter allowing excess to drip off. Use a spoon to generously coat each side with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated chicken strips spaced apart on wire cooling racks set over the same large baking sheet to ensure even baking and crispy results.
  6. Bake Chicken Tenders: Bake the prepared chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Notes

  • For extra crispy tenders, use wire cooling racks on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
  • Marinating the chicken in the batter for up to 4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder taste.
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier coating than traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent breadcrumbs from browning too quickly during pre-toasting.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders-with-parmesan-and-panko-recipe/