FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN TENDERS

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat or gristle from the chicken tenders. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the breading adhere better.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor directly to the chicken itself.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE BREADING

1. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This will be used to coat the chicken before dipping it in the breadcrumb mixture.

THIRD STEP: COAT THE CHICKEN

1. Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the surface. Make sure each chicken tender is evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Place on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Make sure there’s some space between each tender so they can cook evenly.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE CHICKEN TENDERS

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the tenders crisp up quickly while keeping the inside juicy.
2. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy crust while baking.
3. Bake the Tenders: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip the tenders halfway through the baking process to ensure even crisping on both sides.
4. Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tenders. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve the Chicken Tenders: Once the chicken tenders are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the tenders moist.
2. Pair with Dips: Serve the chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or Sriracha mayo. The sweetness of the honey mustard and the tanginess of BBQ sauce complement the savory flavors of the chicken perfectly.
3. Enjoy: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or homemade fries. You can even serve them on top of a bed of greens for a lighter option.