Baked Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Embrace the delightful crunch of Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders without the guilt of deep frying. These tenders, baked to perfection, not only offer a crunchy texture but also maintain the tender juiciness of the chicken. Besides being a family favorite, this recipe is paired beautifully with a yogurt-based roasted red pepper dipping sauce, adding a healthy flair to your meal. Consider serving these chicken tenders over mixed greens, turning the dipping sauce into a well-balanced dressing.
Yield
This recipe serves 4, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a healthy portion.
Ingredients
For the dipping sauce:
- ½ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
For the chicken tenders:
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
Preparing the Dipping Sauce
- Begin by blending the Greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Coating the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow dish, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s coated evenly, then dredge it in the panko mixture until completely covered.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a golden, crispy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Your Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders are now ready to serve. Enjoy dipping them into the prepared sauce or, for a lighter meal, lay them over a bed of mixed greens, drizzling the sauce as a dressing.
Healthier Cooking Option
For a healthier alternative, consider air frying the chicken tenders instead of baking. This method requires less cooking time and helps maintain a crispier texture with less oil.
Why You’ll Love Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Above all, Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders provide a quick and easy meal option, ready in just 40 minutes. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with protein, making them a perfect choice for meal preps. Furthermore, the baking method significantly reduces oil usage, ensuring this meal remains light and healthy.
In conclusion, give these Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders a try at your next dinner gathering, and expect rave reviews from your guests!
