Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking tray with cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil. This ensures that the Chicken Tenders don’t stick and get that perfect golden brown finish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will soak into the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Next, dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture and let them sit for about five minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you have time, marinate them in the refrigerator for up to an hour for even better flavor.
While the chicken is soaking, prepare the crumb mixture. In another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Now, dredge each egg-coated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, lightly pressing to ensure that they are thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture we all love.
Arrange the coated tenders on the greased baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil spray. This ensures they will crisp up nicely in the oven.
Bake the tenders for about ten minutes. Then, carefully flip them over and bake for an additional five to ten minutes. You want them to be cooked through and have a nice golden color.
If you like a little extra crunch, broil the tenders in the last two to three minutes of baking. This will give you that irresistible crispy crumb on top.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their juiciness.
Serve your Chicken Tenders with your favorite sauces or sides and enjoy! They are perfect for dinner, lunch, or even a snack!
