Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking. If you have a wire rack, place it over the baking sheet to elevate the chicken tenders and allow air to circulate, which will result in a crispier texture.
2. Tip: Using a wire rack helps ensure even crispness on all sides of the tenders. If you don’t have one, you can still achieve a crispy result by flipping the tenders halfway through baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Breadcrumb Coating

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Tip: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more garlic powder if you love garlic, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Egg Wash

1. In another mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with minced garlic until smooth. This egg wash will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders and infuse the tenders with garlic flavor.
2. Tip: Freshly minced garlic gives a bolder flavor than powdered garlic. You can also add a tablespoon of milk to the egg wash to make the coating more even and smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

1. Dip each chicken tender into the garlic-egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow the excess egg to drip off before moving to the next step.
2. After dipping the tender into the egg wash, press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, coating it on all sides. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure the tenders are fully covered.
3. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders and place them on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Step 5: Spray with Oil

1. Once all the chicken tenders are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking oil spray. This step helps the breadcrumbs turn a deep golden brown and adds to the crispiness of the tenders.
2. Tip: If you don’t have a cooking spray, you can brush the tenders lightly with olive oil or melted butter for a similar effect.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Tenders

1. Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re not using a wire rack, flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they get crispy on both sides.
2. Tip: For extra crispy tenders, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the chicken tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor (optional).
2. Serve the tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or garlic aioli.