Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders

I have several baked chicken tender recipes on this blog, but this one intrigued me because of the method used. It is a little different than the traditional way of breading chicken.

The first difference is in breading. Panko breadcrumbs are used, which in itself is not different, however the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted before used to bread the chicken strips. The second difference is the dredging process. Typically you would dip the chicken in flour, then egg and then breadcrumbs. With this process the flour and egg step is combined into one. So now all you have to do is dip the chicken strips into two bowls not three.

Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• cooking spray
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 390º F.
2. Spread the panko out on a baking sheet and carefully spray with cooking spray, you do not want to blow the panko off of the sheet. Bake for 3- 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch carefully because the panko can burn easily. Transfer the panko to shallow bowl.
3. Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet.
4. In a large bowl whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and coat well with the batter.
5. Remove one piece of chicken with one hand and place it into the panko. With the other hand coat the chicken strip in panko, pressing down to make sure it sticks. Place the chicken strip on the cooling rack. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken strips.
6. Lightly spray the chicken strips with cooking spray and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 268
Total Fat		6.5g
Saturated Fat		1g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.6g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.1g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		112.8mg
Sodium		600.3mg
Potassium		17.6mg
Total Carbohydrates		23.2g
Dietary Fiber		1g
Sugars		1.8g
Protein		27.6g
Vitamin A 1.35% Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 2.46% Iron 4.98%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Recipe Tin Eats.