Truly Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Note 1
- Oil spray
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
or other mustard
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 500 g/1 lb chicken tenderloins
or breast cut into 2/3″ / 1.5cm thick slices, lengthwise
- Oil spray
Directions
- 1
- 2
Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180° fan-forced).
- 3
Toast panko – Spread panko on a baking tray, spray with oil (spray vertically to avoid blowing the panko off the tray), then bake for 3 to 5 minutes until light golden. Transfer to bowl.
- 4
Place a rack on a baking tray (not critical but bakes more evenly).
- 5
Dredge batter – Place the Batter ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork until combined. Add the chicken into the Batter and toss to coat.
- 6
Crumbing (see video & photo in post)
- 7
Pick up chicken with tongs and place it into the panko bowl.
- 8
Crumb – Sprinkle surface with breadcrumbs, then press down to adhere. Transfer onto baking tray. Marvel at clean fingers, repeat with remaining chicken.
- 9
Spray & bake – Spray lightly with oil, sprinkle with a touch of salt (optional). Bake 15 minutes (medium) or up to 20 minutes if gigantic. Any longer = dried out chicken.
- 10
Serve – Remove from oven and serve immediately, with Sauce of choice (Honey Mustard pictured, see Note 2) and sprinkled with fresh parsley, if desired.
Truly Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
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About this Recipe
Craving chicken tenders that are genuinely crispy straight from your oven, without the mess of deep-frying? This recipe delivers beautifully golden, truly crunchy baked chicken tenders that will satisfy that craving every time.
The secret to achieving that irresistible crunch lies in a simple yet often overlooked step: toasting the panko breadcrumbs before they even touch the chicken. This unique technique ensures a shatteringly crisp coating, a stark contrast to the often-soggy results of standard baked tenders.
Prepare for a delightful experience where each bite offers a satisfying crunch, revealing tender, juicy chicken within. You'll love how these tenders achieve a vibrant golden color and a texture so good, you'd swear they were fried. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight family meal or a casual gathering where comfort food shines.
Want to make these tenders your own? While chicken tenderloins are perfect, you can easily substitute with chicken breast, simply slice it lengthwise into 2/3-inch (1.5cm) thick pieces. Feel free to experiment with different mustards; dijon offers a classic tang, but honey mustard or even a spicy brown mustard could add an exciting twist to the coating.
These crispy oven-baked chicken tenders are a fantastic canvas for your favorite dipping sauces. They pair wonderfully with a classic honey mustard, ketchup, or even a zesty ranch for a complete, satisfying meal.