Learn how to make incredibly crispy baked chicken tenders with a secret coating. This recipe delivers a satisfying crunch without the mess of frying, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Author:Amara Louis
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4-6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for extra crispiness and flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs with the milk.
In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and nutritional yeast.
Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Finally, coat the chicken tender generously with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Drizzle or brush the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil or melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For an even crispier coating, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.
Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Add other herbs like dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can omit it, but it does add a wonderful crispiness and a subtle cheesy flavor.