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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil, for baking

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Discover the joy of cooking with our Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders recipe! Perfect for kids and adults alike, these tenders offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite without compromising on flavor or crunch. Made with simple ingredients like chicken breast, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs, they are easy to prepare and bake to perfection. Serve them as a snack, main dish, or appetizer at your next gathering and enjoy guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for that added crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, immerse the chicken strips in buttermilk. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, refrigerate for up to 2 hours. This step not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor.

    Prepare the Coating: In a large, shallow dish (such as a pie plate), combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the spices.

      Create the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, blend the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Add a light seasoning of salt and pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.

        Bread the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. First, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated and shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip the coated strip back into the buttermilk briefly, then immediately transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they stick well.

          Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and lightly spray it with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

            Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced apart so they can crisp up beautifully without touching each other.

              Bake the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them to enhance crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through. For extra crispy results, flip them halfway through the baking time.

                Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are beautifully golden and cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli for an exciting flavor twist.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4