These golden, crunchy pieces appear to be oven-baked breaded chicken tenders. The recipe below recreates the crispy, cheesy-looking crust shown in the photo.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray or a little oil
Optional
- ½ tsp chili flakes for heat
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for serving
- Lemon wedges
- Honey mustard, ranch, or garlic sauce for dipping
Method
- Prepare the chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into strips of roughly equal size. Pat them dry with paper towels. - Make the coating:
In a bowl, combine panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. - Prepare the egg wash:
Whisk the eggs and milk together in a separate bowl. - Coat the chicken:
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating adheres well. - Arrange:
Place the coated chicken pieces in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between pieces. Lightly drizzle or spray them with oil. - Bake:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Cook until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Make them extra crispy:
For a darker, crunchier coating, place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. - Rest and serve:
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Benefits
- High in protein: Chicken and Parmesan provide substantial protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Baked rather than deep-fried: Using the oven can reduce the amount of added oil.
- Customizable: You can add spices, herbs, or a little chili for different flavors.
- Good family meal: The crispy coating makes chicken appealing to both children and adults.
- Easy meal prep: Cooked tenders can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings and depending on the exact amount of oil and breadcrumbs used:
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430–480 kcal |
| Protein | 48–52 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25–30 g |
| Fat | 14–18 g |
| Saturated fat | 3–5 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 700–900 mg |
Tip: Nutrition will vary considerably depending on the chicken size, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and amount of oil used.
Conclusion
These crispy baked chicken tenders give you a crunchy, golden exterior with juicy chicken inside. The combination of panko, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan creates a particularly crisp crust without requiring deep frying. Serve them with salad, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a dipping sauce for a complete meal.