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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, cheesy baked chicken tenders without frying, using a Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust for a golden, crunchy texture that’s juicy inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil mist

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. In the first bowl, mix all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  4. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Trim chicken tenders if needed for even thickness and pat dry with paper towels.
  6. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  7. Dip tenders into the egg-mustard mixture, letting excess drip off gently.
  8. Press tenders into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating all sides well. Place coated tenders on the wire rack.
  9. Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray or olive oil mist.
  10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check color at 10 minutes and adjust position if needed.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes on the wire rack.
  12. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Use a wire rack to ensure even crispiness and avoid soggy bottoms. Pat chicken dry before coating. Lightly spray tenders before baking for golden color. Flip halfway through baking. Check internal temperature to avoid overcooking. For gluten-free, substitute panko and flour accordingly. Dijon mustard in egg wash helps coating stick.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken tenders, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken tenders, no fry chicken, easy chicken tenders

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-baked-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-no-frying-needed/