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Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

Crispy and flavorful baked chicken tenders coated with a tangy sour cream batter and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, finished with Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch. These chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fried versions, baked to golden perfection, making them perfect for a family meal or a tasty snack.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or tenderloins)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Batter

  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Breading

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (204° C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
  2. Prepare the chicken strips: Slice each chicken breast into 3-4 strips lengthwise, roughly 1 ¼ inches wide. Place them under saran wrap and gently pound using a meat tenderizer until they are just under ½-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Make the batter and marinate: In a large bowl, combine the egg, sour cream, flour, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, honey, salt, garlic powder, and paprika to form a smooth batter. Add the chicken strips to the batter and toss well to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the batter while you prep the breading; you can also cover and refrigerate this mixture for up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
  4. Toast the breadcrumbs: In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Spread this mixture on a large light-colored baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, transfer back to the bowl and toss with grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory depth.
  5. Bread the chicken: Using kitchen tongs, transfer each chicken strip from the batter into the breadcrumb mixture. Carefully spoon extra breadcrumbs onto each piece to ensure a generous coating on all sides. Arrange the breaded chicken strips on wire cooling racks set over the same large baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote crispiness during baking.
  6. Bake the chicken tenders: Place the baking sheet with the chicken strips in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cook until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through. Serve hot along with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken in the batter for up to 4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Using wire cooling racks over the baking sheet ensures even heat circulation and crispier tenders.
  • Feel free to swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Butter in the breadcrumb mixture helps achieve a rich, golden crust.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/baked-crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe/