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Hand holding a crispy baked chicken tender dipped into a creamy sauce

Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders

Oven-baked chicken tenders with a toasted panko crust and a simple mayo-Dijon coating for extra crunch and juicy bites.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 281

Ingredients
  

  • 1.1 lb chicken tenderloins 500 g
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs 75 g
  • Oil spray as needed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise 14 g
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard 22 g
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 16 g
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowl
  • Shallow plate
  • Tongs (optional)
  • Instant-read thermometer (recommended)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack over a sheet pan (line with parchment if you want easier cleanup).
  2. Spread panko on the sheet pan, spray lightly with oil, and bake 4–6 minutes, stirring once, until golden. Transfer toasted panko to a shallow plate.
  3. In a bowl, whisk egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Add chicken tenderloins and toss until fully coated.
  5. Press each tender into toasted panko until evenly coated.
  6. Place tenders on the wire rack in a single layer and spray tops lightly with oil.
  7. Bake 14–18 minutes, until golden and chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning (watch closely).
  8. Rest 2 minutes and serve warm with your favorite dip.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 33gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 602mgPotassium: 333mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 60IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Video

Notes

  • For best crunch, don’t skip toasting the panko.
  • The wire rack keeps the coating crisp on all sides.
  • Swap Dijon with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
  • Add paprika or garlic powder to the toasted panko for extra seasoning.

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