These baked panko crusted chicken tenders are a delightful and healthier alternative to fried chicken. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up panko breadcrumbs if you don't already have them. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken tenders their signature crunch. Additionally, make sure you have parmesan cheese on hand, as it adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
Ingredients For Baked Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders: These are the main protein for the dish, tender and easy to cook.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.
Olive oil: Drizzled over the chicken tenders to help them crisp up in the oven.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing chicken tenders, ensure they are of uniform thickness to promote even cooking. If necessary, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This will help the panko crust adhere better and result in a more consistent texture. Additionally, for an extra crispy coating, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown before using them in the recipe. This step enhances the flavor and crunch of the final dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey breast strips: Turkey breast strips are lean and have a similar texture to chicken tenders, making them a suitable alternative.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and texture to panko breadcrumbs.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile to parmesan cheese.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor if garlic powder is unavailable.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a similar smoky flavor, though it may add a bit more heat.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder.
beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter can provide a rich flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze Your Chicken Tenders
- Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely on the baking sheet. This prevents condensation and sogginess when stored.
- Transfer the cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to maintain the crispy texture.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- For freezing, place the cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the chicken tenders to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date for reference.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For added flavor, serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the coating is crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as others.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and the coating is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and cooking food in the oven.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet to prevent food from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the volume of liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like spices and seasonings.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used to beat or whip ingredients, such as eggs, to incorporate air.
Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift food items, useful for handling the chicken tenders without touching them directly.
Oven: An enclosed compartment used for baking or roasting food.
Knife: A tool used to cut or trim the chicken tenders if needed.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place food items for cutting.
Grater: A tool used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.
Basting brush: A brush used to drizzle or spread olive oil evenly over the chicken tenders.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices the night before to save time.
Use assembly line method: Set up a station with beaten eggs and panko mixture to streamline the coating process.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the chicken to ensure it's ready to go.
Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper to minimize cleanup time.
Drizzle efficiently: Use a spray bottle for the olive oil to ensure even coating and save time.
Baked Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip chicken tenders in the beaten eggs, then coat with the panko mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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