Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than these perfectly baked chicken tenders that promise a crispy exterior and juicy interior that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that combines simplicity with incredible flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken tenders will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of cheese throughout the breadcrumbs.
- In another bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly with a fork or whisk until the yolk and white are well combined.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste. This adds flavor to the chicken before breading.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, place the egg-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. Flip the tender over and repeat on the other side.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the chicken tenders are breaded and arranged on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the chicken tenders for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of a tender; the juices should run clear and the meat should be no longer pink.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to keep them juicy.
- Serve the baked chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Pat Dry for Crunch: Before breading, pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between tenders on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible for a more flavorful and crunchier coating.
- Check Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.
- Let Them Rest: Allow tenders to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness and make them easier to handle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 218kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 112mg
