Delight in these crispy and flavorful chicken strips, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the light mayonnaise with the smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Mixing the spices with the mayonnaise infuses the chicken with flavor.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the mayonnaise mixture.
Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
In a zip-top bag, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Shaking the bag ensures an even mix of breadcrumbs and cheese.
Place one or two chicken tenders in the bag at a time, seal, and shake to coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
Coating the chicken in small batches ensures even coverage.
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Spacing the tenders apart allows for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each tender and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Flipping the tenders halfway through ensures even browning.
Serve the crispy chicken strips warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving immediately preserves the crispiness and enhances the flavor.