Chicken tenders will never be mistaken for gourmet fare, but a simple breading technique turns this typical kid food into a dish that will please adult palates, as well.
The tenders—you can purchase them or cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips—are seasoned and dipped in egg before being pressed gently into a mix of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano and herbs. Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs that are ground into flakes instead of crumbs. The result is a lighter coating with extra crunch.
These are a new favorite in my kitchen and not just for my 7-year-old. I love that fact that they’re relatively healthy, especially when baked instead of fried, and you can switch them up simply by substituting your favorite herbs or spices for the dried basil and garlic powder. Sauté the tenders in about a tablespoon of olive oil until golden brown for a more evenly-browned, crispy coating.
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You can get a head start on dinner by breading the tenders and placing them on a sheet tray in your freezer. Once they’re frozen, store them in a re-sealable freezer bag. Next time you’re in a dinner time crunch, place the frozen tenders on a baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Frozen food at its best without the additives and preservatives found in store bought chicken tenders.
Parmigiano-Crusted Chicken Tenders
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Serves 4-6.
1 cup freshly-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1½ pounds chicken tenders
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Whisk together the cheese, bread crumbs, basil and garlic powder in a medium bowl or on a large plate, until evenly combined.
Place the lightly beaten eggs in a medium bowl.
Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, allowing any excess to drain off. Coat the chicken in the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, pressing the chicken gently into the crumbs until they’re evenly coated. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
