Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
Prepare the dredging stations. In the first shallow dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pat the chicken tender strips very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
Press the strip firmly into the Panko mixture, coating all sides completely. Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they do not touch.
Lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil. This promotes browning.
Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the tenders over carefully. Spray or brush the second side lightly with oil.
Bake for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
The baking powder in the breading helps create tiny air bubbles, leading to a lighter, crispier crust when baked.
Using a wire rack allows air to circulate underneath the tenders, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
For extra juiciness, avoid overcooking; check the internal temperature precisely.