Crispy Oven Chicken Tenders

Steps

• Prep: Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Crumbs: Toast the panko in the oil in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until deeply golden.
  ⏱ Start 4 min timer

  Tip: This is the step that gets these genuinely crispy — the oven alone doesn't get hot enough at the surface to brown raw breadcrumbs in the time the chicken needs.

• Crumbs: Off the heat, stir in the paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
• Bread: Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, then press firmly into the toasted crumb mixture.
• Bake: Arrange on the wire rack and bake until golden and cooked through.
  ⏱ Start 15 min timer

  Tip: Check the largest tender with an instant-read thermometer — it should read 74°C (165°F).