Description
These crispy baked chicken tenders are marinated in a zesty Greek yogurt mixture and coated with a crunchy blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a juicy interior and a satisfying crunch, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Perfect for dipping and serving as a delicious meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or additional olive oil for baking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Use your hands for even coverage.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands for even distribution.
- Optionally, add extra salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Remove each marinated chicken tender from the bowl or bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
- Dip the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Turn to coat fully.
- Place the coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all tenders, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet to retain juices.
- Prepare a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, to serve alongside the chicken tenders.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes