Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Coating
01 -
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
04 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
1 tablespoon water
10 -
1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
→ Main Ingredient
11 -
1 pound chicken tenders
→ Optional Dipping Sauces
12 -
Ketchup
13 -
BBQ sauce
14 -
Honey mustard
15 -
Ranch
16 -
Fry sauce
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 400°F. Take a large baking sheet and set a wire rack on top of it. Give the rack a good spray with cooking spray so your tenders don't stick.
02 -
Sprinkle some salt and pepper over your chicken tenders and set them aside while you prep your coating stations.
03 -
Grab three shallow bowls or plates. In the first one, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into the third bowl.
04 -
Time to get your hands dirty! Take each tender and dip it first in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then dunk it in the egg wash. Finally, press it into the panko, making sure both sides get a good coating. Really press the panko in so it sticks well.
05 -
Place your coated tenders on the wire rack, giving them some space so they're not touching. Give the tops a light spray with cooking spray to help them get golden and crispy.
06 -
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders over and give the other side a light spray with cooking spray. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until they're cooked through. If you want them extra crispy, you can broil them for 2 minutes at the end.
07 -
Take them out of the oven and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. They're great with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or ranch!
# Notes:
01 -
These chicken tenders are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option that's still super crispy and delicious!
02 -
The cornstarch in the flour mixture helps create an extra crispy coating when baked.
03 -
Using a wire rack while baking ensures air circulates around the entire tender, resulting in all-around crispiness.