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For this crispy baked chicken tenders recipe, you need: - 1 lb chicken breast tenders - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients form the base of our tasty dish. The chicken breast tenders are juicy and tender. The whole wheat breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the chicken. To enhance the flavor, gather these spices: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt These spices create a savory mix. Garlic powder and onion powder give great depth. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while black pepper and salt balance the taste. For binding and crispiness, use: - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil The eggs and mustard help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Olive oil drizzled on top enhances the crispiness. These ingredients are key for achieving that golden-brown finish. You can find the full recipe in the main article. Enjoy cooking! First, you need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat makes the chicken crispy. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all the dry ingredients mix evenly. This coating gives your chicken tenders a great flavor and crunch. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture first. Make sure it gets fully coated. Next, dredge it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the crumbs stick well to the chicken. This step is key for a crispy finish. Place your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the tops of the tenders. This oil helps them brown and crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. When they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they are ready. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For a nice touch, serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders! To get that crunch you crave, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add a great texture. Make sure to drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This step helps the crumbs crisp up nicely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway for even cooking. You can replace chicken breast with turkey if you prefer. For a lighter touch, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. If you want to cut carbs, try crushed almonds or oats as a coating. Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep them juicy inside. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} To spice things up, add heat to your tenders. You can mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into your breadcrumb mix. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also dip the tenders in hot sauce before coating them. This method gives you a nice kick without losing the crunch. Serve with a cooling dip like ranch to balance the heat. If you love cheese, this variation is for you. Take a slice of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, and place it inside the chicken tender. Then, coat the chicken as usual. When you bake the tenders, the cheese melts and makes a tasty surprise. Just be careful when biting in; the cheese will be hot and gooey! For a gluten-free option, swap whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores. Another great choice is crushed cornflakes or almond flour. Both options give a nice crunch and keep the tenders crispy. Make sure to check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. If you want more details, check the Full Recipe for the original method. After enjoying your crispy baked chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before storing. This helps keep them crispy for later. To reheat, use an oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy, just like fresh. If using a microwave, the chicken may get soggy. Avoid this by covering them loosely with a paper towel. You can freeze these chicken tenders for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat frozen tenders, bake them directly from the freezer for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps them crunchy on the outside. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. To make chicken tenders crispy, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. Mix them with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These add crunch and flavor. Make sure to coat each tender well in the egg mixture. Drizzling olive oil on top helps too. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. But, make sure to thaw it first. It’s best to let it sit in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Just don’t cook it fully. Once thawed, follow the recipe as normal. Dipping sauces enhance the chicken's taste. Honey mustard is a great choice. Ranch dressing also works well. You can try BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor. Buffalo sauce adds some heat. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this post, we covered how to make crispy baked chicken tenders. You learned about the right ingredients, seasonings, and oils. We discussed step-by-step baking methods for great results. Remember the tips for texture and timing for extra crunch. You can also try tasty variations like spicy or cheese-stuffed options. Lastly, proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Get ready to enjoy crispy baked chicken tenders that are both healthy and delicious! This easy recipe features tender chicken coated in a flavorful mix of whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan, perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Perfect for dinner or as a snack, these tenders are a hit with everyone! Click through to discover how to make this crispy delight that will have your family coming back for more!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast tenders

1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

      In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined.

        Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, press gently to adhere the crumbs.

          Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the tops of the tenders to enhance crispiness.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

              Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.