Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders made with strips of chicken tenders that are coated in a parmesan, herb and spice seasoned panko bread crumb finish. No deep frying, yet they're still absolutely delicious!

PREP TIME: 20 Minutes

COOK TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

YIELD: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour

2 large Eggs

1 1/3 cup Pank Bread Crumbs

2/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan Cheese

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

1 teaspoon Paprika

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

2 tablespoon Olive Oil

2 pounds Chicken Tenders (about 12 large tenders, more if smaller)

Salt, to taste

Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon minced Fresh Parsley (optional)

Non-Stick Cooking Spray

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Move oven rack up one level from the center and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large oven safe cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray and set over a rimmed 18x13-inch baking sheet.

2. Pour flour into a small shallow dish.

3. Crack and whisk eggs in a second shallow dish.

4. In a third dish (such as a pie plate) toss together the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil then toss well to evenly coat.

5. Season both sides of the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Working with two at a time dip chicken tenders in flour on each side, gently shake excess off. Then transfer to eggs and coat both sides, let excess egg run off

7. Transfer to panko mixture. Coat both sides in panko mixture while pressing so mixture adheres well (you can scoop mixture up over the chicken and press, you want lots of it to stick.)

8. Transfer chicken tenders to prepared wire rack on baking sheet leaving some space between each piece. Repeat process to coat all chicken tenders.

9. Bake in preheated oven until chicken is cooked through (165 degrees fahrenheit in center of largest pieces), about 15 to 20 minutes. If you find they are browning too much just tent with foil near the end.

10. Garnish with parsley if using and serve warm with desired dipping sauce (creamy honey mustard, marinara, ranch, pesto, bbq sauce, etc).

NOTES:

**To make these healthier try using whole wheat flour and whole wheat panko bread crumbs.