Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Set up the breading station
   Create a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour mixed with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, remaining salt and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken
   Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded tenders on the prepared wire rack.
4. Add oil for extra crispiness
   Drizzle or brush the olive oil evenly over the breaded chicken tenders. This helps them achieve a golden-brown color and extra crispiness even though they're being baked instead of fried.
5. Bake until golden
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning.
6. Rest and serve
   Let the chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.