Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on the classic favorite, combining juicy chicken with a crispy panko and Parmesan crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these tenders are easy to whip up and pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy every crunchy bite that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dining table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ranch, BBQ, honey mustard)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut each chicken breast into tender-sized strips for even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture and arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, substitute panko with crushed cornflakes. Add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an enhanced flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness.